Marc Marquez has built his reputation on breathtaking overtakes, incredible saves and an unmatched ability to push a MotoGP bike to its limit. But according to Ducati crew chief Marco Rigamonti, the Spaniard's greatest strength is not what fans see on race day.
Instead, it is his exceptional understanding of the bike and his ability to communicate precisely with his engineers, qualities that have played a major role in Ducati's success since he joined the factory team.
Rigamonti, who has worked alongside Marquez since the start of the 2025 season, said the nine-time world champion provides some of the clearest and most accurate technical feedback he has encountered during his time in MotoGP.
Rather than simply describing how the bike feels, Marquez is able to identify the exact section of a circuit where an issue occurs, compare it with telemetry data and explain whether the problem is caused by the motorcycle or his own riding. That level of detail allows Ducati's engineers to find solutions much faster.
Source: MotoGP News
The Italian also praised Marquez's ability to analyse where he is gaining or losing time against his rivals. As Ducati continues developing its bike in an increasingly competitive championship, that insight has become an invaluable tool for the team.
Rigamonti believes another quality separates Marquez from most riders. Every time the Spaniard leaves the pit lane, the team knows he is extracting everything possible from the bike.
That confidence removes any doubt over whether more performance could have been found by the rider, allowing engineers to focus entirely on improving the machine itself.
Beyond his technical abilities, Rigamonti highlighted Marquez's honesty. During his recent recovery from shoulder problems, the Spaniard openly admitted when physical limitations were affecting his riding instead of blaming the motorcycle.
Likewise, when mistakes came from his own riding style, Marquez was equally willing to acknowledge them. According to Rigamonti, that transparency creates trust within the team and helps engineers make better decisions throughout a race weekend.
The crew chief also described Marquez as someone who values a positive atmosphere inside the garage, believing strong relationships and good morale contribute to better performances on track. His openness and willingness to share his thoughts have made communication straightforward throughout the team.
While Marquez's spectacular riding continues to capture headlines, Rigamonti believes the qualities that truly make him different often go unnoticed. His technical intelligence, honest communication and determination to maximise every lap have become just as important as his raw speed, helping explain why he remains one of MotoGP's most complete riders.
