Alex Marquez will remain in Gresini colours for the 2024 MotoGP season after agreeing a contract extension to remain with the squad for at least a another year.
The Spaniard joined the outfit for 2023 following three-years as a Honda-contracted rider, Marquez spending his rookie campaign in 2020 with the factory Repsol Honda outfit before he replaced Cal Crutchlow as the marque’s unofficial third factory rider at LCR.
His struggles for form on the ever-worsening RC213-V ultimately led to a switch to Ducati machinery with Gresini for this year, a swap that instantly yielded speed and results as he bagged a first-ever premier class pole position and first podium since 2020 in Argentina – his second event with the team – while he currently sits ninth in the overall riders standings after nine races.
Marquez says he is “very happy” to be elongating his stay with the Italian squad for a further season, the three-time premier class rostrum finisher insisting another campaign working together for the two parties is “key” in order to keep building momentum within the garage as he continually learns about his new steed.
“I’m very happy to continue with the team. I’ve always expressed this desire of mine and when things go the right way it’s even easier to understand each other,” explained Marquez.
“To continue together for the next season is key in order to keep growing with this bike, and with this team everything is going to be easier.
“I would like to thank Nadia (Padovani, Gresini team owner) first and foremost, and then the whole team who made me feel at home from day one. We’ll keep growing and surprising.”
Gresini also confirmed another aspect of its future as it revealed it has signed a two-year extension to its Ducati supply deal, which initially began after it split from running Aprilia’s factory operation ahead of the 2022 term.
It now just needs to sort out whole will join Marquez within its riding line-up for next year, with Fabio Di Gianantonio heavily rumoured to be on his way out – with the likes of Moto2 front-runners Tony Arbolino and Jake Dixon linked with switches into the premier class, as well as Yamaha refugee Franco Morbidelli.
