Gresini MotoGP team manager Michele Masini admits the squad had \u201cno plan B\u201d for 2024 when it began engaging Marc Marquez over a possible move to the satellite Ducati outfit.<\/p>\n
In the early Autumn of 2023, rumours began to stir of a shock split between Marc Marquez<\/a> and Honda a year before the end of his then-current factory deal with the Japanese brand.<\/p>\n After several years of getting back to full fitness following his serious arm injury in 2020, Marquez struggled for form on an underwhelming Honda package and was less-than-impressed with a 2024 prototype he tested at Misano in September of 2023.<\/p>\n At the time, he was being linked with a surprise move to the Gresini Ducati<\/a> squad on a year-old bike for 2024 – a switch that was confirmed a few weeks later.<\/p>\n Marquez won three grands prix with Gresini in 2024, finished third in the standings and earned a promotion to the factory Ducati team for 2025, with whom he dominated the current campaign for his seventh MotoGP title.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Marquez \u201chad no demands and was very quiet\u201d<\/p>\n In an interview with Spanish publication AS, Michele Masini recalls that Gresini had no alternate plans when it became clear there was a chance to secure Marquez for 2024.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we started talking about it, it seemed like there might be an opportunity, but we knew that we would have to deal with Honda first,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe risk for us was high, but we never really considered a plan B. In the end, all the planets aligned, making it possible to start the project.<\/p>\n \u201cHe listened to everyone, had no demands and was very quiet. This made it possible to create a very united group.<\/p>\n \u201cThis made him smile again, and as we always say, a smiling rider is also fast.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Despite Marc Marquez\u2019s departure to the factory Ducati team for 2025, the Gresini squad has enjoyed its best season yet with the Italian brand.<\/p>\n