Senior Ducati administration remained publicly at arm’s size from negotiations with the eight-time world champion, insisting it was as much as Gresini to decide on its riders.
Ducati Corse basic supervisor Gigi Dall’Igna was even reported as saying: “Ducati didn’t need him. It’s the Gresini workforce that seized the chance.”
However it’s laborious to imagine that Gresini wouldn’t have obtained Ducati’s blessing earlier than finishing the deal and ex-Repsol Honda star Marquez insists he didn’t really feel any ‘reluctance’ from the aspect of the Italian manufacturing facility.
“I by no means had the sensation that they had been reluctant to signal me or that they didn’t need me, as a result of in any other case I wouldn’t have taken this step,” GPone.com quotes Marquez as saying in Madrid this week.
“I at all times tried to remain out of the newspaper headlines and I at all times had loads of help from the Gresini workforce, who gave me my time and that was the principle motive why I joined the workforce: the truth that they by no means pushed me till I had clear concepts.”
Whereas the Ducati Lenovo and Pramac riders are contracted straight by Ducati, the Gresini and VR46 riders are signed solely to the workforce.
Marquez’s preliminary Gresini contract is for only one season, in distinction to the four-year HRC deal he had beforehand signed.
“I haven’t mentioned with anybody about 2025, I’ll have to guage the best choice.
“Concerning signing for only one yr, it should be saved in thoughts that after an extended relationship you can not enter [straight] into one other lengthy relationship.
“Logically, earlier than deciding to modify to Gresini, there have been contacts with different manufacturers which I can’t reveal.
“I’m very grateful to Honda, Ducati and the Gresini workforce, the place I really feel very snug now and need to rediscover all the nice emotions.”
After a powerful Ducati debut ultimately November’s Valencia take a look at, Marquez will return to the GP23 at Sepang subsequent month.
“I have already got a listing on my cellphone of issues I need to enhance for Malaysia.”
Whereas many are already tipping Marquez for the title, the Spaniard insists it’s not but clear if he can have the consistency.
“I feel I’ll be capable of be quick on sure circuits, however I don’t know if I’ll be capable of be quick on each monitor.
“I’ve to reinvent myself [this year] and I’ll face riders who’ve been on the identical bike for a few years and, as such, who must be in entrance of me.
“In any case, my process shall be to present my finest.”