It was \u201clove at first sight\u201d for Alex Marquez<\/a> and the year-old GP24, who doubled his previous career tally of five podiums – in five seasons – during the opening eight rounds.<\/p>\n That included a debut MotoGP <\/a>victory at Jerez, later followed by further wins at Catalunya and Sepang.<\/p>\n Alex was the only rider other than brother Marc to briefly lead the world championship, and comfortably claimed the title runner-up spot.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cAlex confirmed that he is a top rider. Alex has been already twice world champion, so we are not talking about a surprise,\u201d Tardozzi told MotoGP.com.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gresini team has shown since the beginning with us that they are a fantastic team because they have won races every year with several riders.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I think that the feeling inside the team and the professional guys that are working there is something that can\u2019t bring anything other than winning and fast riders.\u201d<\/p>\n Aldeguer<\/a> arrived on the other side of the Gresini garage, in place of Marc Marquez, after a disappointing final year in Moto2.<\/p>\n But he took his debut MotoGP podium at Le Mans, was runner-up in Austria, then won in Mandalika on his way to eighth in the world championship and top rookie honours.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cFermin, I think that he surprised us,\u201d Tardozzi admitted. \u201cWe were investing in him, signing him in January \u201824. So that means that we trusted him.<\/p>\n \u201cBut in the end, I think that he gave us back a bit more than what we were expecting from him this year.\u201d<\/p>\n di Giannantonio, Marc Marquez, Morbidelli<\/p>\n “Ups and downs” for Diggia and Morbidelli<\/p>\n Ducati\u2019s other MotoGP team, VR46<\/a>, was promoted to official satellite status after Pramac\u2019s defection to Yamaha – and given a factory bike for Fabio di Giannantonio<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, Valentino Rossi\u2019s outfight was last of the Ducati line-up in terms of results, being the only Desmosedici team not to win a race.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n![\"di](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3000_gng_1255936_hires.jpg\")
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