MotoGP, Buriram Tests J1, Marc Marquez (Ducati/1): "it seems that the direction has been decided, we must not take risks"

Marc Marquez, the gladiator of the track, has clearly outlined the path that Ducati will take in the MotoGP circus. With the precision of a cartographer, he confirmed that the GP24 engine will be the compass that will guide the 2025 and 2026 seasons. After the tests in Buriram, the Spanish rider revealed that, despite the sirens of innovation, the team has chosen to navigate cautiously, avoiding the uncharted waters of the GP25 engine.

After several days of intensive testing at Sepang et Buriram, Ducati has finally decided: the Italian brand has decided to keep the 2024 engine for the next two seasons. This decision, taken in consultation with its riders Marc Marquez et Pecco Bagnaia, favors the reliability and proven performance of the current engine rather than taking the risk of developing a new engine, the GP25, still in the development phase.

After the tests in Buriram, Marc Marquez lifted the veil on the strategy of Ducati for the next two seasons in MotoGP. The Spanish rider confirmed that the Italian brand has chosen to stick to the GP24 engine, considered more reliable, rather than taking risks with the GP25 engine, which still presents too many uncertainties. A crucial decision, especially with the freeze on engine development planned from 2025 for manufacturers without concessions.

« It seems that the direction has been decided. Today we focused on the 2024 engine and, unless tomorrow the story changes completely, we will continue with this basis. We will not take any risks ", said Marquez after dominating the first day of testing at BuriramThis caution is explained by the strict rules of MotoGP: once homologated, the 2025 engine can no longer be modified before 2027, the date on which the new 850 cc engines will appear.

« Ducati was aware that the 2025 engine had to be much better than the 2024 one, because It will be approved for two seasons. We must not take risks. ", added the Spanish driver. Although the GP25 shows improvements in some aspects, it also has weaknesses that have sown doubt among engineers and drivers. " The GP24 has been tested on all circuits for a whole year and has a good basis. The GP25 seems more radical : it may offer something more on some points, but suffer on others ", has explained Marquez.

**Marc Marquez: “ Ducati has the ability to develop the bike in two different directions, even if it's not ideal »**

Marquez also revealed that he and his teammate Pecco Bagnaia are on the same page regarding this decision. Ducati has the ability to develop the bike in two different directions, even if it is not ideal. At the moment, our comments are the same, even though I haven't spoken to Pecco yet. I prefer to do it at the end of the day so as not to be influenced. ", did he declare.

The Spanish driver, however, clarified that the GP24 will not be used in the same way. I'm not saying we're going to make the GP24 work exactly the same way, because they have developed new parts that will be introduced into this engine ", he added. Ducati plans to continue developing the aerodynamic package and other technical improvements to maximize performance.

On the track, Marquez has once again demonstrated that he adapts perfectly to his new mount. The pilot of the DucatiLenovoTeam finished the day in the lead, setting the fastest time in the afternoon session. I felt good from the first start, and that's the most important thing. In a Grand Prix you don't have as much time as in a test, so you have to be fast from the start. " he commented.

Asked about his time, Marc Marquez remained realistic: " When you put on a new tire, you always take risks. If anyone says otherwise, they are lying.. I pushed “, he admitted.

Marc Marquez did not fail to salute his brother's performances, Alex Marquez, which he considers the great revelation of the preseason. That's the surprise of these tests, and I'm not saying that because he's my brother. He was the fastest in the Barcelona and Malaysia tests, and today he showed good pace. This morning he was the fastest and in the afternoon he didn't chase the clock, but he is very fast. ", did he declare.

With this decision to stick with the GP24 engine, Ducati focuses on stability and reliability for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Marc Marquez, full of confidence, seems ready to take up the challenge and defend the colours of the Italian brand. As for Alex Marquez, his promising performances suggest an exciting season for the brothers Marquez. One thing is certain: Ducati remains a major player in MotoGP, and the competition will have to redouble its efforts to challenge its dominance.