The MotoGP world is reeling after a shocking revelation that Marc Marquez’s contract for 2025 is no longer valid following a crash during the Sepang Shakedown Test. The announcement came directly from Gigi Dall’Igna, the Ducati Team’s General Manager, whose words have left many fans and pundits in disbelief. As one of the most dominant forces in recent MotoGP history, Marquez’s sudden removal from Ducati’s plans has sent shockwaves through the paddock.

Here’s everything you need to know about this bombshell announcement, the implications for Marc Marquez’s future in the sport, and what it means for Ducati’s plans for the 2025 season.

The Sepang Shakedown Test is an important event on the MotoGP calendar, as it allows riders to get their first real taste of what the season might look like, testing bike setups and pushing their limits. However, it was also the stage for an unexpected and worrying incident involving Marc Marquez.

During one of his test runs, Marquez lost control of his bike in one of the high-speed corners at the Malaysian circuit, resulting in a highside crash. While the crash itself wasn’t severe, it raised serious concerns about Marquez’s ability to compete at the highest level.

Marquez, who has been recovering from a series of injuries in recent years, seemed to struggle with the handling of his bike during the test, even though he had shown moments of brilliance in previous seasons. The crash at Sepang was a sign that Marquez may not yet be fully recovered, and that his comeback may be facing new obstacles that could undermine his 2025 season prospects.

The most shocking part of the Sepang Shakedown Test wasn’t the crash itself but the subsequent announcement from Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati’s highly respected Technical Director, who has been at the helm of Ducati’s recent dominance in MotoGP.

“Marc Marquez’s contract for the 2025 season is no longer valid,” Dall’Igna stated in an unexpected interview after the Sepang Test. “After the incident, we have made the decision to part ways with Marc. It is a difficult decision, but ultimately we believe it is the best one for both parties. He must leave.”

Dall’Igna’s words were devastating for fans of Marquez and those who had hoped for a monumental 2025 season, especially after Marquez’s previous success with Honda and his ongoing attempts to return to form. The Ducati General Manager’s decision is not just about the crash but reflects a broader concern about Marquez’s ability to deliver the results Ducati expected.

Marquez’s relationship with Ducati had been an open secret for months. Gigi Dall’Igna and Ducati were reportedly very keen on having the Spanish champion in their ranks for 2025, despite his injury woes. Ducati, with its strong technical prowess, had shown interest in bringing Marquez into their team to provide an additional star rider alongside Francesco Bagnaia. Many believed that the combination of Bagnaia and Marquez could bring Ducati unprecedented success in the sport.

However, Marquez’s ongoing physical limitations have caused concerns. The crash at Sepang was a clear sign that the former world champion was still struggling with the demands of racing at the elite level. His shoulder injuries, which have plagued him for years, were reportedly a major factor in the crash, and Ducati seems to have concluded that Marquez is no longer able to meet the physical and mental demands of the sport at the highest level.

Additionally, Marquez’s unpredictable riding style has often clashed with team strategies. While he is undoubtedly one of the most talented riders ever to grace the MotoGP grid, his aggressive approach has sometimes resulted in crashes and miscalculations—issues that Ducati cannot afford as they look to defend their crown in 2025.

Dall’Igna hinted at these challenges, stating, “Marc is an incredible talent, but right now, we need a rider who can push the team forward consistently without risk. His recent performances suggest that he may not be able to deliver that.”

This announcement is a huge blow for Marquez and his fans, as it casts doubt over his future in MotoGP. The Spaniard had been looking for a fresh start at Ducati, hoping that a new bike and a new environment would help him return to his dominant ways. However, it seems that Ducati‘s decision signals that Marquez’s time at the top may be running out.

While he remains a legend in the sport, with eight world championships to his name, Marquez is now facing the harsh reality that his body may not be able to keep up with the demands of racing at the highest level. Honda, his long-time team, may also reassess their future with Marquez, particularly after his disappointing performances in recent seasons.

There’s speculation that Marquez may still have opportunities with other teams, but these would likely be with mid-tier manufacturers rather than a top contender like Ducati. Additionally, Marquez’s crash at Sepang and his continued injury struggles could make it difficult for him to land a contract with another top team.

With Marc Marquez no longer in the picture for 2025, Ducati now faces a significant gap to fill in their line-up. Currently, Francesco Bagnaia remains the team’s leading rider, and Ducati will likely focus all their energy on helping him defend his championship. Jack Miller has already made a move to KTM, and Jorge Martin is a potential candidate to join Ducati for the 2025 season as a second rider.

It’s also possible that Enea Bastianini, who was previously considered a contender for a seat, could be promoted to a more prominent role within the team, given his potential and Ducati’s strong support for young riders. Ducati’s strategy for 2025 will likely be focused on maintaining their dominance, with Bagnaia leading the charge.

The future for Marc Marquez now seems uncertain. The MotoGP paddock is full of potential suitors, but whether any top team is willing to take the risk on a rider with his injury history remains to be seen. Marquez has often been compared to Valentino Rossi in terms of his career trajectory, but it is still unclear whether Marquez can reinvent himself as Rossi did in the latter stages of his career.

For now, it seems that Marquez’s MotoGP future is in jeopardy, and the 2025 season will likely mark a turning point in his career. Whether he finds a new team or steps into a more developmental role within Honda or another manufacturer is still unknown.

Ducati’s bold decision to cut ties with Marc Marquez for the 2025 season marks the end of a potential era for the Italian manufacturer. While the team remains committed to its current lineup, Marquez’s exit raises questions about his future in MotoGP and his ability to return to form.

As Ducati looks forward to defending their title, they will be focused on their already formidable duo of Bagnaia and potentially Bastianini or Martin. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez must now confront an uncertain future—one that could see him in a fight for survival in the sport he once dominated.