Marc Marquez: Assen Not Ideal Track for My Riding Style

Marc Marquez, Ducati Lenovo Team rider, arrived at the TT Circuit Assen for the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, the tenth round of the MotoGP season. In an interview with Motosan.es, Marquez revealed that Assen is not among the circuits that best suit his riding style, despite arriving with high confidence following a stellar victory at Mugello. How will Marquez tackle the challenges at the “Cathedral of Speed,” and what are his expectations for the race weekend?

Marc Marquez, the 32-year-old Spanish rider, is enjoying an exceptional 2025 season with Ducati. After joining the factory Ducati Lenovo Team for 2025, Marquez has delivered dominant performances, including a win at Mugello in the previous round. The Assen circuit, measuring 4.555 km with 18 corners, is renowned as one of the most technical and fastest tracks on the MotoGP calendar. Although Marquez secured victories at Assen in 2014 and 2018, he acknowledges that the circuit’s characteristics are less aligned with his aggressive, braking-heavy riding style.

In a pre-race interview, Marquez stated, “From Mugello straight to Assen for the first back-to-back of the season. We come off a great victory in front of the Ducatisti and the Italian crowd. It wasn’t a given, as I hadn’t won at Mugello for many years. Assen, on paper, isn’t one of the circuits that best suits my riding style, but Ducati has been very strong here in recent editions. We’re back to work, I’m in great physical shape, and we need to capitalize on that.” This statement reflects Marquez’s cautious optimism despite the technical challenges of Assen.

The Assen circuit has been a stronghold for Ducati in recent years, with four victories since 2008, including three consecutive wins by Francesco Bagnaia from 2022 to 2024. Marquez, now riding the Desmosedici GP25, aims to leverage the bike’s strengths, particularly its speed in fast corners and aerodynamic stability. However, he noted that Assen’s “half-corners,” which require smooth flow and precision, are less compatible with his reliance on aggressive braking and sharp corner entries.

Marquez emphasized the importance of capitalizing on his peak physical condition after a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries. His Mugello triumph, which included pole position, a Sprint win, and the main race victory, demonstrates his strong adaptation to the Ducati. Nonetheless, he remains cautious, recognizing that Assen demands a different approach. “We need to focus on adjusting the setup to handle Assen’s fast corners. I’ll aim to maximize the bike’s potential and stay consistent,” he added.

Marquez’s acknowledgment that Assen is less suited to his riding style reflects his awareness of the circuit’s unique demands. His strengths hard braking and the ability to recover from front-end slides are better suited to circuits with sharp corners, like Aragon or Termas de Rio Hondo. Assen’s fast corners, such as Ramshoek and the GT Chicane, favor a smoother, flowing style, which aligns more with riders like Bagnaia. However, Ducati’s recent success at Assen offers Marquez an opportunity to remain competitive, provided the team optimizes the GP25’s aerodynamics and Michelin tire grip.

Marquez’s comments signal a realistic yet confident approach to the Dutch Grand Prix. While Assen may not be his strongest circuit, Ducati’s proven performance there boosts his prospects. His presence in the factory Ducati team has heightened fan expectations, particularly after his commanding Mugello performance. However, stiff competition from riders like Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, who have excelled at Assen, will test Marquez’s adaptability on this challenging track.

Marquez faces several challenges at Assen. First, he must adjust his riding style to navigate the circuit’s fast corners, which may limit his braking advantage. Second, the pressure to maintain momentum post-Mugello is significant, especially with Bagnaia aiming to recover from a disappointing Italian Grand Prix. Finally, Assen’s unpredictable weather could influence tire strategy and bike setup, adding complexity to the race weekend.

With 11 rounds remaining in the 2025 season, Marquez is well-positioned to continue contending at the front. The Dutch Grand Prix is a critical test of his versatility as a Ducati rider. A strong finish at Assen would reinforce his status as one of MotoGP’s most adaptable riders. The post-race test at Assen will also provide Ducati an opportunity to refine the GP25’s setup ahead of the Sachsenring round.

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