Marc Marquez says his MotoGP critics are completely wrong about one thing

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Marc Marquez’s official Ducati debut is approaching. There are two more days of testing in Buriram this week before the Thailand Grand Prix gets underway on 28 February.

Between his 2013 debut and 2019, Marquez won six championships. Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo was the only rider who interrupted that streak.

After a serious injury, multiple operations and a career-defining Honda exit, Marquez hasn’t lifted the MotoGP championship trophy for five seasons. But he’s now back on a dominant motorcycle, which means only Francesco Bagnaia may stand in his way.

Even as the most successful rider on the grid, and an undisputed all-time great on two wheels, Marquez has something to prove this year. Some fear he’ll never be the same rider as he was before his 2020 Jerez crash.

And then there’s the comparison with Jorge Martin. Marquez prevailed in an intense head-to-head battle with his compatriot for the spot alongside Bagnaia.

If he loses out to his teammate this season, then there will inevitably be those who claim Ducati made the wrong decision. Martin is, of course, desperately in need of track time at new team Aprilia after a violent crash on day one of the Sepang Test ruled him out.

‘Some people say’ Marc Marquez can’t set up a MotoGP bike – they’re wrong

Speaking to Australian Motorcycle News, Marquez explained why Ducati favoured him over Martin. The Pramac rider went on to win the world championship, but Luigi Dall’Igna and co. stand by their decision.

Pramac director Fonsi Nieto says Marquez possesses a ‘beastly’ pull. Even though he’d spent a few years away from the front of the grid, he still commanded a unique respect.

Marquez is also the most experienced rider in the field, with 189 top-level appearances. And, contrary to what his critics might think, his technical expertise was also part of his appeal.

“My experience in MotoGP was one reason,” he said. “Also, although some people say Marc Marquez doesn’t know how to set up a bike, I think this is one of my strong points – trying to understand where the bike is in each moment and what it needs to go faster.”

The AMCN report confirms that Ducati engineers are in agreement. Marquez apparently ‘feels things other riders don’t’ and knows exactly how to implement his feedback.

Why Marc Marquez thinks Francesco Bagnaia is the favourite for 2025 title

Marquez has also faced criticism over his attitude, notably from Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi. The Italian scorned his use of the tow in qualifying and accused him of taking unnecessary risks.

They spoke about these comments in private, with Marquez explaining the great lengths he had to go to maximise Honda’s potential. That may not be necessary on an omnipotent Ducati machine.

Still, he regards Bagnaia as the favourite for the title. He’s already deeply embedded within the team, and comfortable on the bike.

Marquez sees the Ayrton Senna/Alain Prost comparison at Ducati this season. But for now, there’s confidence that things won’t become toxic.