American rising star Kayla Yaakov broke new ground last week, becoming the first woman ever to ride Marc Marquez’s MotoGP bike at Misano during World Ducati Week.
Yaakov, who races in the MotoAmerica Supersport class, has already made headlines this year by becoming the first woman to reach the podium at the legendary Daytona 200. Riding for a team co-owned by former MotoGP rider Ben Spies and IndyCar champion Graham Rahal, she’s been turning heads on her Ducati Panigale V2.
Her strong performances—and Ducati connection—paid off again, as she was invited to Misano to sample true MotoGP machinery for the first time. And this wasn’t just any bike: it bore the iconic number 93 of Marc Marquez.
Sharing the moment on Instagram, Yaakov wrote:
“My first time on the MotoGP bike and it was absolutely unbelievable. I’ve never smiled so much on a bike. The first woman to ever ride this bike—truly a dream come true. Five-year-old me would be so happy.”
She thanked her supporters, especially Ben Spies, and legends like PJ Jacobsen and Casey Stoner for their encouragement throughout the experience.
Yaakov returns to the US to continue her MotoAmerica campaign at Laguna Seca, where she currently sits fourth in the standings after a season-best second place at Barber. With her historic Misano ride, Yaakov continues to blaze a trail for women in motorcycle racing—proving that dreams really can come true on two wheels.
