The first time Marc Márquez hopped on a Ducati, it was a significant moment in the MotoGP World Championship. Whether it was in 2014, 2016, 2019, or any time between his MotoGP debut on March 23, 2013, and his injury in July 2020, the anticipation was high. Last November, during a test run in Cheste, Márquez showcased his talent on the Desmosedici bike. He quickly became the fastest, outperforming his competitors like Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martín.

With his impressive performance, many started placing bets on Márquez, confident that he would dominate the championship once again. After spending a decade with Honda, he had returned to his true form, ready to claim victories, podiums, and pole positions. However, during the preseason tests at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia this week, Márquez fell short of expectations. He finished sixth in the standings, behind four other Ducati riders and Aleix Espargaró.

Márquez acknowledged that the past three years had been challenging, and regaining confidence was crucial. He expressed caution regarding his performance, stating that he might not be fast enough to contend for the World Cup just yet. Adapting to the Gresini team and the Ducati bike proved to be a complex process. Márquez still felt stiff and uncomfortable, unable to push his limits or take risks to avoid injury.

Joining Ducati meant leaving behind his old team and only being able to sign one mechanic. As he communicated with his Gresini team members, Márquez primarily relied on his chief mechanic, Frankie Carchedi, who played a key role in Joan Mir’s 2020 championship win with Suzuki.

While Márquez’s journey with Ducati promised to be the most intriguing storyline of the upcoming season, the dominance of Bagnaia and Martín seemed inevitable. Without changes to the regulations and with the aerodynamic advantage of the Ducati, Honda and Yamaha appeared to be fading into insignificance. This lack of competition could pose a problem for the future of MotoGP, as both brands struggled to secure victories, retain sponsors, and justify their presence in the championship.