Marc Marquez has dominated the 2025 MotoGP season so far, winning both sprints and both grands prix with ease. His smooth transition to the factory Ducati team has left his competitors trailing behind, including his teammate and reigning champion, Francesco Bagnaia. A crucial aspect of Marquez’s riding style—one that prevents others from replicating his success—has drawn comparisons to MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.
According to TNT Sports’ Neil Hodgson, Marquez’s unique riding technique makes it impossible for other riders to copy his setup. “Jorge Martin always accused Pecco [Bagnaia] of copying his homework, copying his bike settings,” Hodgson explained. “But Marc rides in such a peculiar way that you can’t copy him.” This distinctive style gives Marquez an advantage that even his experienced teammate cannot exploit.
Michael Laverty echoed this sentiment, highlighting Marquez’s extraordinary ability to manipulate the bike, particularly in left-hand corners. “We’ve heard it from Cal Crutchlow and Frankie Carchedi—it’s incredible what Marquez can do. He uses his body position, rear brake, and confidence on the throttle to pivot the bike in ways no one else can,” Laverty said. He added that many previously underestimated Marquez’s talent, attributing his early success to Honda’s powerful machinery. However, Marquez’s immediate success on Ducati proves that his skill and adaptability have always been the driving forces behind his dominance.
Marquez’s brilliance has been especially evident in Thailand and Argentina, where Bagnaia, despite having more experience on the GP25, has been unable to match his pace. Suzi Perry emphasized the sheer talent on display: “Whether you like Marc or not, you have to appreciate that he is a genius on a motorcycle. He has redefined MotoGP racing.”
One of the most striking comparisons to Valentino Rossi lies in Marquez’s ability to adapt his riding style over time. Laverty pointed out that this evolution mirrors Rossi’s famous adaptability, which helped him secure nine world titles. “Watching Marquez now, he looks completely different on the bike compared to 10 years ago,” Laverty noted. “Like Rossi, he’s a chameleon—able to change his style and extract the best from any bike. It took him much of 2024 to adjust to Ducati’s demands: being smoother, using the grip, and controlling the bike through corners instead of pushing to the limit.”
Hodgson further elaborated on this transformation, explaining that Marquez now focuses on better corner exits, a stark contrast to his Honda days when aggressive corner entry was his primary tool. This ability to evolve, much like Rossi’s seamless switch from Honda to Yamaha in 2004, has made Marquez even more formidable on the track.
If Marquez continues this dominant form, he is on track to win his ninth world title, equaling Rossi’s legendary tally. The next race at the Circuit of the Americas—a venue where Marquez has traditionally excelled—offers another opportunity for him to extend his lead. Ironically, Marquez’s resurgence comes at the expense of Bagnaia, a graduate of Rossi’s VR46 Academy, as he closes in on The Doctor’s legacy.
With his renewed riding style and unmatched skill, Marquez’s pursuit of a ninth championship seems inevitable, further cementing his place among MotoGP’s greatest riders.
