I don't think anyone doubts MotoGP's Marc Marquez's abilities behind the bars. The dude is a true wunderkind on anything with two wheels. But the accedence of his 2025 season, one that closes with the racer attaining his 9th world championship, tying his arch rival Valentino Rossi, and putting it to bed so decisively, was one I don't think anyone would've guessed, though many likely had hoped for.
He was coming off a slump, as well as countless injuries, and many didn't know what, if anything, the racer could attain. The Ducati was worthy of the rider, having trounced the field so thoroughly, it likely made many a manufacturer consider leaving the sport altogether. But what could Marquez do after his prior years in semi-languish?
He did, after all, come in third in the rider's championship last season. But it was far from the championship title he'd hoped to score.
Yet, Marquez came in defiant. He came in like a man on a mission. He had a goal, and that goal was to get that title and secure his place in the record books. And he did. He claimed his championship and smoked the field. But the manner in which he performed not only surprised the fans, it surprised Ducati's own CEO, Claudio Domenicali, too.
"Honestly, even we were surprised," says Domenicali who sat down with CycleWorld, adding, "We knew Marc was exceptionally strong, but he exceeded our expectations. His dominance continues a winning cycle for us: four consecutive MotoGP titles with three different riders, Bagnaia in 2022 and 2023, Jorge Martín in 2024, Márquez in 2025. It’s also our sixth consecutive Constructors’ Championship, which proves not only the strength of our riders but also the superior technology behind the Desmosedici."
Marquez won a total of 11 of the 22 races this year, with him nabbing points in 15 of those races, too. I don't know about you, but I'd called that utter and total dominance of the field.
Right from the jump, Marquez seemed resurgent, and won the first two races, retiring in the third, and then coming back to win the fourth. His only real contention throughout the season was from his brother, Alex, who came in 2nd in the rider's championship but still a cool 100 points behind Marc. Again, Marc came in like a wrecking ball, just about surprising everyone.
Next year, however, will be an interesting one, as will the following year. The upcoming season is only a few short months away, but it's an interlude between the current regulations and every team and manufacturer getting prepped for the 2027 regulation changes which will see all-new motorcycles, engines, and a host of potentially new locales. And according to Domenicali, he's fired up about what the team can achieve once those new bikes come to fruition.
"It’s a complete reset: new bikes, new engines, and fewer opportunities for aerodynamic and mechanical innovation," says Domenicali, adding, "Some systems we pioneered, like the aero wings and the ride-height devices, will be limited or banned. It’ll make bikes simpler, and we’ll see who interprets the new rules best." He then added, "We started working about a year ago, mainly focusing on the new engine and key design concepts. We cannot anticipate anything—but as always, we’ll bring something innovative to the track."
Will next year see Marquez triumphant again? Or will we have to wait to see what he can do with the new motorcycle come 2027? Whatever the case may be, one thing is for certain: don't be surprised if Marquez's name is back on top next season.
