Marc Marquez joins Gresini Ducati for MotoGP 2024 | GRR
Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez has announced he’ll join his brother, Alex, as a Gresini Ducati MotoGP rider for 2024 after Honda’s attempts to retain him came to nothing.
After nearly two years without a race win, Marquez reportedly lost faith in Repsol Honda’s ability to build a competitive machine. That’s despite Honda’s attempts to keep Marquez on the books with a recruitment drive to hire Europe's best engineering talent.
The 30-year-old Marquez said: “I’m excited with this new challenge. It wasn’t an easy decision because it’s a big change in every way. But sometimes in life, it’s important to get out of the comfort zone and put yourself through the paces in order to keep growing."
“Bike-chance wise, I know I will have to adapt my riding style to a few things, and it won’t be easy. But I’m also sure that the whole Team Gresini will help me a lot. I can’t wait to get to know the team and start working with them. I’d like to thank Nadia, Carlo and Michele for the trust and respect they showed me.”
The news means Fabio Di Giannantonio, who currently sits 16th in the 2023 standings, will depart the team.
Gresini Ducati team boss, Nadia Padovani Gresini, said: “This is a historical moment for the Gresini Family. The fact that Marc Marquez chose to race with us in the upcoming season is absolutely fantastic and I’m extremely happy to be able to make it official. In less than a season we got really close to his brother, and we’ll welcome Marc the same way, as we’re sure he has all the potential to be competitive on the GP23 from the get-go.
“Last but not least, I would like to thank Fabio Di Giannantonio for his professionalism, and we wish him all the best for the continuation of his career.”