Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez couldn’t have done much more to endear himself to Ducati fans by winning during his first season with them in 2025.
Yet the majority still weren’t convinced when he rocked up at Mugello, winning in front of them, as he received a reception of boos on the podium. It wasn’t fair on such a MotoGP legend, or anyone for that matter.
But Marquez ploughed on and produced one of his most dominant seasons ever. He has given those fans plenty to think about.
Likewise with Ducati, who need not wait for the MotoGP rider market to develop before extending his contract. That must be a priority for them in the coming months.
When do you think Marc Marquez will retire from MotoGP?
Marquez told Ducati how to ‘protect’ Francesco Bagnaia when he was struggling last season, and it’s rare to see anyone care that much about a teammate, let alone a new one.
The ‘numbers’ behind Marquez’s 2026 bike are encouraging, which is a good start, but that’s all that it is. There are plenty of strong performances required to back it up.
READ MORE: Marc Marquez has made a careless mistake after reportedly signing new Ducati contract
New Ducati banner shows the Tifosi have changed their minds on Marc Marquez
For a while now, Marquez has been hiding his true Ducati complaints in a bid to protect his team in front of the media.
Aside from that, Marquez showed why he’s a champion on his first day by learning the names and job roles of everyone in his team before even formally meeting them.
That’s the sort of stuff that his fanbase and others take notice of. It shows just how much he truly cares about his team.
In a post on Ducati’s X account, a new banner created by a fan could be seen displaying the words ‘It’s Red, Thank You Marc,’ which is, of course, a slight play on words with Tardozzi’s defence of him from last year.
They’re really starting to show their champion some love, which is a positive and well-earned compliment to everything he has given the Borgo Panigale so far.
READ MORE: When Marc Marquez’s Ducati contract is set to be announced as new extension ‘finalised’
Luigi Dall’Igna believes the Ducati fans ‘are behind’ Marc Marquez now
The sign isn’t the only indication that Marquez is growing on the Italian fans, many of whom remember his fights with Valentino Rossi over a decade ago.
Luigi Dall’Igna told Diario AS that he thinks that their support is now ‘behind’ the Spaniard, as he enters his second season with them.
“I think Ducati fans are behind Marc,” he said. “He’s one of the most important riders in the history of world motorcycling, a rider who has done something extraordinary.
“Not just for motorcycling, but for sport in general, and that’s why I think he deserves the fans’ admiration.”
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