Here’s a bold statement: losing a superstar rider doesn’t always mean losing momentum. In fact, it can sometimes pave the way for even greater success—and that’s exactly what Gresini Racing has proven in 2025. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the departure of Marc Marquez, one of MotoGP’s biggest names, the team not only survived but thrived, achieving off-track growth that’s turning heads across the paddock. So, how did they pull it off? Let’s dive in.
When Gresini Racing signed Marc Marquez in 2024, the move sent shockwaves through the MotoGP world. The satellite Ducati team instantly gained massive attention, both on and off the track. Marquez’s star power wasn’t just about his racing skills—it was a marketing goldmine. But Gresini didn’t rely solely on his name. They launched the Faciamo un Cinema campaign, a creative twist that reimagined iconic movie posters with a MotoGP flair. This campaign wasn’t just clever; it was a game-changer, boosting their social media presence and engaging fans in a whole new way.
Fast forward to 2025, and Marquez’s move to the factory Ducati team left many wondering if Gresini could maintain its momentum. And this is the part most people miss: they didn’t just maintain it—they surpassed expectations. With Alex Marquez securing three Grand Prix wins and rookie Fermin Aldeguer adding another, the team finished second in the standings. But the real story unfolded off the track.
Gresini’s 2025 growth statistics are nothing short of impressive. They reported a 3.44% increase in media value for their partners, totaling nearly €500,000. Their social media following skyrocketed to 911,000, a 49% jump from the previous year. And their campaigns? They racked up 82 million views and an earned media value of €5.25 million. These numbers aren’t just good—they’re exceptional, especially when compared to the rest of the MotoGP grid.
Here’s the controversial part: Gresini’s success raises questions about the role of star riders versus team strategy. While Marquez’s departure was seen as a setback, the team’s focus on creative campaigns and strong on-track performance proved that a well-executed plan can outweigh the loss of a big name. Could this shift the way teams approach rider signings and marketing? It’s a debate worth having.
Gresini’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed, especially under Liberty Media’s ownership. Last year, Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton was rumored to be interested in a buyout, though Gresini wasn’t ready to sell. However, the recent €20 million takeover of Tech3 by a consortium led by Guenther Steiner shows that MotoGP teams are becoming hot commodities. As Carlo Merlini, Gresini’s Sales and Marketing Director, put it, ‘The 2025 season has been sensational, on and off the track. The numbers speak for themselves.’
Merlini also highlighted the impact of their title sponsor, BK8 NEWS, which joined in 2025 with a multi-year program. ‘They’re using the sponsorship to increase awareness in their most strategic markets,’ he explained. With Liberty Media’s push to expand MotoGP into new markets, Gresini is perfectly positioned to lead this charge. ‘We can only be thrilled to play a leading role in this unique phase of the MotoGP world championship,’ Merlini added.
So, here’s the big question: does Gresini’s success prove that teams can thrive without relying on superstar riders? Or is this just a unique case? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
