The 2025 MotoGP season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling yet, with Jorge Martin openly addressing the fierce competition posed by Marc Marquez. The Spanish rider from the newly rebranded Alpine Pramac Racing Team recently acknowledged that Marquez, riding for Repsol Honda, remains a significant threat in the championship battle. Martin also shared his insights on analyzing Marquez’s riding data, highlighting its impact on his preparations for the season.
In an interview ahead of the pre-season testing in Sepang, Malaysia, Jorge Martin revealed that he has spent considerable time reviewing the performance data and riding techniques of Marc Marquez. Despite Marquez’s struggles with Honda in recent years, the eight-time world champion’s ability to adapt and perform at the highest level continues to set him apart.
“Marc is a special rider. Even when the bike isn’t perfect, he finds a way to push it to the limit and achieve incredible results. I’ve been studying his data, especially in braking zones and corner exits, and it’s clear why he’s such a formidable opponent,” Martin said.
The young Spaniard, who narrowly missed out on the 2023 championship title, admitted that understanding Marquez’s aggressive and strategic style has been a valuable learning experience.
While Marc Marquez has faced challenges with an underperforming bike in recent years, the 2025 season marks a new chapter for the Repsol Honda team. Over the winter break, Honda introduced significant upgrades to their RC213V, addressing past issues with corner stability and acceleration.
During Honda’s private test sessions in Valencia, Marquez set blistering lap times, reigniting speculation about his return to dominance. Reports suggest that the updated bike has significantly closed the gap to rivals like Ducati and KTM, making Marquez a serious contender once again.
“With Honda’s improvements, I expect Marc to be even more competitive this year. He’s always a tough rival, but now, with a better bike, he’s going to be an even stronger threat,” Martin admitted.
Despite acknowledging Marquez as a strong rival, Martin remains confident in his own abilities and the strength of his Ducati machinery. The Desmosedici GP25, known for its unmatched speed on straights and stability in corners, is widely regarded as the best bike on the grid. Alpine Pramac Racing, benefiting from full factory support, has positioned itself as a top contender in the championship.
“I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made with Ducati. The GP25 is a phenomenal bike, and with the support from the factory, I feel more prepared than ever to fight for the title,” Martin stated.
The Spaniard also emphasized the importance of consistency, an area where he feels he has improved since his debut in MotoGP:
“The championship isn’t won in a single race. It’s about staying consistent, avoiding mistakes, and maximizing points every weekend. That’s something I’ve worked hard on during the off-season.”
While the rivalry between Martin and Marquez is expected to heat up on the track, there is no shortage of mutual respect between the two Spanish riders. Marquez, who has often praised Martin’s aggressive yet calculated riding style, sees him as one of the main challengers for the 2025 title.
“Jorge is fast, there’s no doubt about it. He’s matured a lot as a rider, and with the support of Ducati, he’ll be one of the toughest opponents this year,” Marquez said during a recent press event.
Martin, in turn, acknowledged the legacy that Marquez has built in MotoGP:
“Marc is a legend of the sport. Competing against him pushes me to improve and find new limits. He’s someone I’ve looked up to, but on the track, he’s just another rival I want to beat.”
As the start of the 2025 MotoGP season draws closer, the excitement among fans and riders is palpable. With Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez, reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, and Fabio Quartararo all in top form, the championship is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent years.
Martin’s acknowledgment of Marquez’s data and his admission of the challenges ahead reflect the level of preparation and mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level of motorsport. The rivalry between these two Spanish stars will undoubtedly be a highlight of the season.
The opening race in Qatar will set the tone for what promises to be an epic battle for the championship. With Alpine Pramac Racing and Repsol Honda both pushing their limits, fans can look forward to a season filled with drama, high-speed action, and unforgettable moments.