As the 2025 MotoGP season prepares to kick off, all eyes are on Marc Marquez, the eight-time world champion who is gearing up for his debut with the official Lenovo Ducati team. The Spanish rider’s much-anticipated transition from Gresini Ducati to the factory team has sparked waves of excitement, especially with the unveiling of the Desmosedici GP25. But it’s not just Marquez’s performance on track that’s turning heads — his girlfriend, Gemma Pinto, has made bold predictions for the season ahead, fueling the fire of optimism surrounding his chances.

In an exclusive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on February 28, 2025, Gemma, a Spanish model and influencer, shared her unwavering confidence in Marquez’s potential for the year. She declared, “Marc will dominate MotoGP in 2025 with the new GP25. There’s no one out there who can match him.” These words have stirred excitement among fans and pundits alike, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season.

Gemma’s faith in Marquez is not without merit. She has been by his side through some of his most challenging times, including his struggle with a severe arm injury in 2020, as well as his triumphant return to form in 2024. Last season, Marquez finished third in the championship with three wins and remarkable consistency, even on the less competitive Ducati GP23.

During the pre-season tests in Sepang and Buriram, Marquez showcased his raw speed on the GP25, topping the timesheets and establishing a strong rapport with the new bike. Gemma, reflecting on his dedication, commented, “I saw how much he worked this winter. His dedication is extraordinary. With this Ducati, which is the most competitive bike on the grid, he will do something extraordinary. I have no doubts.”

The GP25, which made its debut in January 2025, has been widely regarded as an evolution of the already impressive GP24. It features enhanced aerodynamics and improved power management, upgrades that suit Marquez’s aggressive riding style perfectly. In the tests, Marquez’s performances were nothing short of spectacular. At Buriram, he set a blistering 1’28”898 lap time, half a second ahead of his brother, Alex Marquez, and well clear of Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia, who finished the test in fifth after struggling with technical issues.

Despite the impressive test results, Gemma’s assertion that “no rival can compare” to Marquez has sparked some debate. Although the Ducati rider is undoubtedly fast, there are several formidable challengers lining up for the 2025 season, including reigning champion Jorge Martin, who secured the 2024 title with Aprilia, and the up-and-coming Pedro Acosta, now riding for KTM.

Jorge Martin missed the pre-season tests due to an injury sustained in Sepang, leaving some uncertainty about his form. However, the Aprilia RS-GP25, ridden by Marco Bezzecchi, showed solid pace, with Bezzecchi finishing third in Buriram. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta, despite being a rookie, impressed everyone with his speed and maturity during testing, making him a strong contender for 2025.

Gemma, however, remains unfazed by these rivalries. She emphasized Marquez’s experience, hunger, and now, the best bike on the grid. “The others may be fast, but Marc is on another level,” she asserted. “He proved that last year by winning on an inferior bike.” This reference to Marquez’s 2024 victories on the GP23, often seen as less competitive compared to Bagnaia’s GP24, serves as a testament to Marquez’s skill and determination.

While Gemma’s comments have won praise from Marquez’s supporters, they have also been met with some skepticism. On social media platforms like X, fans of Bagnaia and other riders have voiced their belief that Marquez’s supremacy may not be so clear-cut. Bagnaia, often referred to as the “king of consistency” after securing 11 victories in 2024, remains a strong contender for the title. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi, in response to Gemma’s bold statements, attempted to temper expectations, saying, “Marc was impressive in testing, but Pecco remains our point of reference. It will be a beautiful internal fight.” This admission sets the stage for a thrilling intra-team rivalry between Marquez and Bagnaia.

Valentino Rossi, who continues to mentor Bagnaia, is also keeping a close eye on the season, as his desire to see Bagnaia triumph over Marquez adds another layer of intrigue to this already intense rivalry. Rossi’s involvement as a coach and mentor brings added drama to what promises to be one of the most competitive MotoGP seasons in recent memory.

As the Thailand GP approaches, Marquez is poised to take on the 2025 season with the weight of high expectations on his shoulders. His performances during testing have shown that the GP25 is a machine capable of helping him reclaim his dominant form. However, with the unpredictability of the MotoGP championship, including potential crashes, tactical battles, and the internal rivalry with Bagnaia, the road to victory will not be easy.

For Gemma Pinto, however, there is no question. “Marc is ready for anything. This will be his year,” she stated confidently. If her predictions come to fruition, 2025 could see Marquez cement his place as the undisputed king of MotoGP, with no rival able to match his legacy. But as always, the track will have the final say.