Marc Marquez’s lucid madness: Rigamonti reveals a secret

It was an emotion-packed MotoGP season for Marc Marquez. The credit certainly goes to the Spanish superstar, but behind the success there’s also the work of a technical staff that knew how to support him at their best. Starting with crew chief Marco Rigamonti, the rider’s shadow man during race weekends.

2025 was an extraordinary year for the Lenovo Ducati team and Marquez. The men in red also returned to victory after seeing the 2024 MotoGP title slip into the hands of Jorge Martin and the satellite team Pramac. "It’s always been said that he wants to be remembered as someone who gave his all," Rigamonti told Dazn. "And he proves it on track, because he always pushes the bike to the limit. He always tries. You can be sure that, even when things don’t go well, he’s given 100%. And that’s his defining trait. And he likes to be remembered that way."

Marc Marquez beat internal competition from Pecco Bagnaia, and showed that on equal terms no one can keep up with him. Even five years on from his last world triumph, through injuries, surgeries, and psychologically and physically tough times. He showed great clarity and coolness in choosing to leave the popular Honda to opt for a satellite team (Gresini), knowing it was the only way to reach the factory Ducati.

A clinical decisiveness that also pays off during MotoGP Grands Prix. "It shows how clear-headed he is in managing situations. He knew that at that moment it was the best option. Even when you have to make decisions that go against the grain. Even more so if it catches other riders by surprise, making the call at the last minute. He knows that can give him an advantage. So he definitely has the courage to make counter-current decisions," Rigamonti commented.

Nine world titles, seven in MotoGP, and he remains the big favorite for 2026. "What he’s doing, beyond having already made motorcycling history with his nine titles, will undoubtedly add extra value. He’s doing something fantastic, coming back to this level after everything that’s happened," concluded Ducati’s crew chief.