Marc Marquez 'excited with new challenge' after signing for Gresini Ducati for 2024 MotoGP season

Marc Marquez says he is “excited with a new challenge” after officially signing with Gresini Ducati for the 2024 MotoGP season.

Marquez and Honda agreed to terminate their contract at the end of the 2023 season.

The 30-year-old won six MotoGP titles and 59 Grands Prix during his time at Honda.

“I’m excited with this new challenge,” Marc Marquez said. “It wasn’t an easy decision because it’s a big change in every way. But sometimes in life it’s important to get out of the comfort zone and put yourself through the paces in order to keep growing.

“Bike-chance wise, I know I will have to adapt my riding style to a few things, and it won’t be easy. But I’m also sure that the whole Team Gresini will help me a lot. I can’t wait to get to know the team and start working with them. I’d like to thank Nadia, Carlo and Michele for the trust and respect they showed me.”

Gresini's team owner Nadia Padovani added: “This is a historical moment for the Gresini family. The fact that Marc Marquez chose to race with us in the upcoming season is absolutely fantastic and I’m extremely happy to be able to make it official.

"In less than a season we got really close to his brother, and we’ll welcome Marc the same way, as we’re sure he has all the potential to be competitive on the GP23 from the get-go.

"Last but not least, I would like to thank Fabio Di Giannantonio for his professionalism, and we wish him all the best for the continuation of his career.”

Marquez will be chasing a piece of history in the modern MotoGP era, where he could become the first rider to win a World Championship with an independent team.

The Spaniard has dominated on the track across the last decade with Repsol Honda, but after 700 days without a race win, Marquez’s declining faith in the HRC project has seen the 30-year-old seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Despite becoming an eight-time World Champion in his 11 years at the Japanese team, Marquez has struggled to hit the same heights this season and has only managed five races in an injury-stricken campaign, as well as enduring problems with his current RC213V bike.

He has only managed a single podium finish - which came at the season curtain-raiser in Australia - with a lack of competitive machinery a factor in his move away.

With most existing rider contracts set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, there will be a range of potential factory destinations for Marquez to choose from ahead of 2025.

However, he will spend next season with Gresini who have enjoyed success with multiple race wins on the year-old bikes, joining up with 27-year-old brother Alex.

A long-awaited 60th premier-class victory will be an early target for Marquez if he doesn’t reach the number in his remaining contractual appearances with Honda, of which he has six races left before his impending switch to Gresini.

Marquez became the youngest MotoGP champion of all time when he won the title in his first year of premier racing and dominated the track with four successive title wins from 2016 to 2019.

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.