Marc Marquez Begins 2025 with the All-New Ducati

Marc Marquez

Marc Marquez kicked off the 2025 season in style, officially embracing his role as a factory Ducati rider. This marked the start of his new contract cycle, which now allows him to fully reap the benefits of being part of the Ducati family, even outside the competitive MotoGP paddock.

To celebrate the beginning of the year, Marquez took to the track at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia, a facility inaugurated just a year ago. He rode the highly anticipated 2025 Ducati Panigale V2, a machine that features notable upgrades over its predecessor. While the new Panigale V2 produces slightly less power due to its redesigned twin-cylinder engine, it is significantly lighter. Ducati has declared this new V-twin engine as their lightest-ever production motor, showcasing their commitment to improving the bike’s overall power-to-weight ratio.

An Elite Group of Riders at Aspar Circuit

Marquez wasn’t alone during this training session; he was joined by an impressive lineup of riders. This included reigning Moto3 World Champion David Alonso, who rode an older Yamaha R6 model. Other notable names in attendance were Dani Holgado, Izan Guevara, Tony Arbolino, Alex Marquez (Marc’s brother), and Sergio Garcia, all riding 2017-spec Yamaha R6 motorcycles. In addition, Marquez’s young protégés, Max Quiles and Angel Piqueras, showcased their skills on Honda CBR600RR machines.

The gathering of such elite riders made the track day an exceptional event, underlining the high level of talent present. It’s rare to witness such a star-studded lineup during a training session, as these riders used the opportunity to sharpen their skills and prepare for the season ahead.

A Solid Training Day for Marquez

For Marquez, this track session wasn’t just a casual outing; it represented an important step in his preparation for the upcoming MotoGP season. Riding the 2025 Panigale V2 marked his first time training on a Ducati road bike. Last year, Marquez predominantly used unbranded Honda bikes for his training sessions. His transition to Ducati machinery signifies a new chapter in his off-track preparations, aligning more closely with his MotoGP commitments.

Baca Juga

Interestingly, Marquez’s Ducati teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, frequently trains with the Panigale V4 R superbike, which is Ducati’s flagship road bike. However, Marquez has yet to be seen training extensively on this model, aside from a brief stint last year. During the World Ducati Week’s Race of Champions event, Marquez competed on the Panigale V4 in its new-for-2025 iteration, showcasing his adaptability to Ducati’s road-focused machines.

Potential Changes in Dirt Bike Training

While Marquez continues to incorporate Honda CRF motocross bikes into his off-road training routine, this could change in the near future. Ducati is set to launch the Desmo450 MX, their highly anticipated dirt bike, later this year. If Marquez decides to switch to Ducati’s motocross offering, it would further solidify his alignment with the brand across all aspects of his training regimen.

A Promising Start to 2025

Marquez’s debut track session with the Panigale V2 and his involvement in a high-caliber training group underscore his commitment to success in 2025. His switch to Ducati has been one of the most talked-about storylines in MotoGP, and fans are eager to see how this partnership unfolds as the season progresses.

The lightweight and refined design of the Panigale V2, coupled with Ducati’s innovative engineering, provides Marquez with a formidable training tool. With the backing of Ducati’s extensive resources and expertise, Marquez is poised to tackle the upcoming MotoGP season with renewed vigor. This early start to the year is a promising sign of the dedication and preparation that Marquez is bringing to his new chapter as a factory Ducati rider.