According to one theory, Marc Marquez could prioritize as early as 2025.
The Gresini rider has received approval to join the official Ducati factory team next season, which is crucial for him to switch from a one-year-old bike to the latest version.
With a machine that is on par with that of current factory star Pecco Bagnaia, Marquez could take the battle between the two to a new level.
But this year, after eleven rounds, Marquez has not won a sprint or Grand Prix and is 83 points behind championship leader Bagnaia.
“He spent so much time deflecting pressure and expectations,” Alex Lowes told TNT Sport in Austria last weekend.
“It’s Marc Marquez! He just wants to beat them, right? That attitude was there at the beginning of the season.”
“I have the feeling that he is putting pressure on me because he makes mistakes in training sessions.
“He probably thinks his main goal this year was to get the factory bike.
“Now he’ll take care of himself, come back next year and outshine everyone!”
“That wouldn’t surprise you. He has that kind of character and talent.”
However, Marquez was warned that wearing the red colour in 2025 and getting on Ducati’s latest bike was no guarantee of victory.
He will join Bagnaia, who is currently in top form and won both races at the Red Bull Ring last weekend.
“Pecco has stepped up a gear… he is a two-time world champion and, at his absolute peak, could easily be a three-time champion early next year,” said Neil Hodgson.
“Marc will race against him in the same garage. We know that Marc is not at his best.
“It may not be the foregone conclusion that many of us thought…”
Lowes added: “He’s relentless, Pecco. After a mistake, he recovers and comes forward.”
“If Marc continues to make unnecessary mistakes – Germany, Silverstone – you can’t expect too much from Pecco. You know that Valentino will overtake Pecco!”
Hodgson pointed to a key moment that demonstrates Bagnaia’s competitive spirit this year.
“Pecco crashed in the last lap of the sprint in Barcelona,” he said.
“The next day he took the lead in the same corner where he had crashed.
“The mental strength that is required for this, this unfailing belief in oneself and in self-confidence. That is so impressive, the sign of a true champion.”
Next weekend, MotoGP returns to Aragon, where Marquez will once again fight for his first victory on a Ducati.
