Marc Marquez acknowledges that replicating the dominance he had with Honda will be impossible when he joins the factory Ducati team next season.

For the first time since 2019, Marquez will compete with the best bike on the grid. He will partner Francesco Bagnaia, who has recently been dominating with Ducati. Only Maverick Vinales’ victory on an Aprilia prevented Ducati from winning every race this season.

After 11 years on the Honda RC213V, Marquez has adapted well to Ducati’s bike. Riding last year’s GP23 bike, Marquez has already won three races and competed against the GP24 machines of Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, and Jorge Martin.

His performance is even more remarkable when compared to other GP23 riders, who have only managed two podium finishes between them. Fabio Di Giannantonio is the best-performing rider among that trio, finishing eighth in the standings. However, Marquez will have the same bike as Bagnaia next year. Even so, Marquez doubts he will achieve the same level of success as in 2019, when he won 12 races.

Reflecting on this, Marquez said:
“Well, it was a year unlike any other in my career, and I hope I don’t have to experience it again. But it can happen. It was a year full of questions, and I’ve been finding positive answers. The biggest question was whether I’m still competitive in MotoGP, and the answer is yes—I am still competitive.

“Logically, being as dominant as I was in 2019 is impossible. Why? Because life moves on for everyone. But we will strive to maintain a high level of competitiveness in MotoGP.”

Marquez’s move to Ducati has raised expectations, largely due to his success in the 2010s. However, he isn’t fazed by the pressure, pointing out that similar expectations arose when he joined Gresini.

“Yes, some people said I would win all year when I announced I was going to Gresini,” he recalled. “I said no. Others at Le Mans and Montmeló said I would fight for the title, and I said I’d like to say yes.”

Although Marquez remained in the title battle for most of the season, Bagnaia and Martin proved a step ahead with their GP24 bikes. Marquez admitted that by mid-season, he realized the championship was out of reach.

“I thought about it because, mathematically, I had a chance,” he explained. “But by Mugello and Assen, I had my answer. My doubts were cleared—I couldn’t make it this year.”

Looking ahead, Marquez is determined to make an impact at Ducati. He has described learning from Bagnaia as a key objective, considering Bagnaia a benchmark within the team. Despite playing down his chances, Marquez knows he must aim for the title as he steps back into a factory team.

When Marquez was asked about his expectations, he answered:
“There are no excuses next year. I have the best bike and the team that has been winning. For me, it’s not about proving anything anymore. It’s about staying competitive in MotoGP and fighting for podiums.

“Of course, the title will be in sight. In a factory team, it has to be. We’ll see where we are, but the goal is clear.”