Marquez Impresses As Ducati Prioritizes GP24 Consistency

Marc Marquez showcased impressive form during the final day of pre-season testing at Buriram, clocking a time of 1m28.855s on the Ducati GP25, closely trailing the lap record set by teammate Francesco Bagnaia. Due to balance issues identified with the newly developed GP25, Ducati has confirmed the decision to use the proven GP24 engine for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Bagnaia echoed Marquez's sentiments about the GP24, noting its superior balance, while team management emphasized the importance of consistency in earning championship points over chasing individual race victories.

Ducati's team boss, Davide Tardozzi, acknowledged that although their engine strategy may draw criticism from competitors, the GP24 has already demonstrated its capability by winning 16 out of 20 races last season. He also revealed that the team might continue using aerodynamics and chassis from the previous model, while incorporating new electronic and suspension updates. For rider Fabio di Giannantonio, this season presents a unique opportunity, as he will race with an older engine version alongside Marquez and Bagnaia, potentially gaining access to newer chassis components despite injury setbacks. This setup may foster competitive parity until mid-season upgrades are introduced.