Ducati sporting director Mauro Grassilli has branded 2025 MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez as \u201csuperhero\u201d, but sees his triumph \u201cimpossible\u201d without the Italian brand.<\/p>\n
Last Sunday\u2019s Japanese Grand Prix saw the 32-year-old Spaniard become MotoGP world champion for the seventh time<\/a>, ending a six-year drought since his last in 2019.<\/p>\n Marc Marquez<\/a> swapped Honda for Ducati machinery at the end of 2023, after electing to quit his factory contract to join Gresini in a bid to rejuvenate his stalled career in the wake of serious injury.<\/p>\n That move ultimately set him on course to step up to Ducati\u2019s factory squad for 2025, with Marquez winning 11 grands prix and 14 sprints on his way to the title.<\/p>\n Grassilli believes 2025 has been Marquez\u2019s best ever.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cI think so,\u201d he replied when asked about this. \u201cBecause seeing him on the red bike was like a superhero.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was the best season ever for Marc.\u201d<\/p>\n Bringing Marquez up to the factory Ducati squad forced the brand to cut ties with Jorge Martin, who had initially been chosen for the seat before the former refused a move to Pramac.<\/p>\n But, on reflection, Grassilli considers Ducati\u2019s decision \u201ca very good choice\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a difficult choice in the beginning because it was a difficult moment in the middle of last year, but we did a very good choice and we are so proud.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cSo, happy to have him in the box.\u201d<\/p>\n Marquez would still be \u201cin the last part of the grid\u201d without Ducati<\/p>\n Ducati<\/a> had initially been reticent to bring Marquez into its fold when rumours surfaced of him potentially joining Gresini for the 2024 season.<\/p>\n