Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez has experienced his fair share of MotoGP setbacks through the years, and against high odds, has returned to his very best form in 2025.
His skill has no boundaries, and it’s why Ducati pinched him from Honda when they saw an opportunity to get one of the greatest riders of all time back in 2023.
Marquez’s year learning the Italian manufacturer’s bike with Gresini was productive, before being chucked straight into the mix alongside two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia at a team he knows very well.
At the very least, he will compete right until the end for a seventh MotoGP title this year, and if he manages to win it, he will become the oldest rider to claim a championship in history. At 32, he beats Valentino Rossi’s record set back in 2009 (30).
After his drop off in form, Gresini were scared to sign Marquez from Honda, but the move turned out to be an inspired one. It also presented a rare opportunity for them to have two brothers riding as teammates at the same time. One year later, the Marquez brothers are rivals for the title.
After failing to win for just the third time in 12 races this year, Marquez did something ‘scary’ at the French Grand Prix, which left Fermin Aldeguer bewildered. The opportunity for such promising talents to race against a legend of the sport should not be underestimated. They can learn a lot from him.
Cal Crutchlow reveals the Honda nickname given to Marc Marquez after incredible MotoGP saves
After a tricky spell in 2023, which produced Marquez’s ‘lowest point’ at Honda, it was a very brave decision to leave the team he knew inside out after 10 years. They had achieved so much together and the Spaniard had shown so much loyalty to them in tough times.
Those tough times included a lot of crashes and accidents which left their mark on the six-time champion. On many occasions though, Marquez was able to get himself out of trouble, which earned him a nickname down at Honda.
Cal Crutchlow has revealed to TNT Sports what the engineers used to call him while he too raced for them between 2015 and 2020.
“After the race weekend we have a few tests over the year,” he said. “There’s going to be more [crashes]. I think that crashing is part of the game and I look at Marc Marquez and think, he knows how to crash as well.
“Why he’s only been injured twice in that long period of time. Yeah, he’s had a couple of operations, maybe his hand or these things. But, really, training he’s had more surgeries than riding.
“He is, as we discussed with regards to the saves, he’s so cat-like. We call him the cat. When I was riding with Honda, we called him the cat. It’s the same thing when he crashes, he’s relaxed. He knows it’s going to happen.”
READ MORE: Ramon Forcada criticises Marc Marquez for making ‘dangerous’ decision during the 2025 MotoGP season
Why Marc Marquez may find himself battling with Honda more often in the MotoGP future
Honda’s improvements over the winter have been clear to see for everyone. They have benefited from the concessions system and are now in contention for the top 10 at almost every event.
Honda only need one thing to beat Ducati, according to Aleix Espargaro, and they might have already done the bulk of the hard work to get there.
After a stunning revelation last week, Honda could sign Jorge Martin and make a clear statement of intent by capturing the signature of the reigning world champion. If their bike ends up near the front of the pack, they’re going to need a superstar to take the fight to the Marquez brothers.
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