MICHELE PIRRO SAYS MARC MARQUEZ IS THE EASIEST RIDER TO WORK WITH IN MOTOGP

Ducati test rider Michele Pirro has described Marc Marquez as the most straightforward rider to work with in MotoGP, pointing to the Spaniard’s calm, analytical approach and the way he keeps both himself and the people around him steady when results or conditions aren’t ideal.

Pirro’s comments came during an appearance on Mig Babol’s Long Lap series hosted by Andre Migno. He acknowledged that Marquez’s tyre wear was worse than any other Ducati rider at the British Grand Prix, yet said the reigning world champion did not turn that into a major complaint or create extra tension within the team. Instead, Pirro framed Marquez as a rider whose mindset makes day-to-day work easier, even when the situation is difficult.

“It’s easy,” Pirro said, explaining why he believes Marquez stands out among the riders he has worked with. “First of all, he puts you at ease.” Pirro linked that to Marquez’s self-critical nature and his tendency to stay analytical, adding that Marquez keeps the overall picture under control so effectively that it becomes “easy” for the team to respond. In Pirro’s view, Marquez also avoids emotional swings that can “leave you with dark sides,” describing him as “very clear-headed.”

Pirro further said Marquez actively reassures the group in the moment, offering practical guidance rather than panic. “He tells you, ‘Guys, relax, I can do it, let’s see what we can do. Maybe we’ll try to do this, etc.’” Pirro concluded that, at least among riders he has been around, Marquez is “the rider who is the easiest to work with,” emphasizing that the champion’s composure is what creates that comfort.

Pirro also drew a comparison between Marquez and Valentino Rossi, noting that Marquez reminds him of the MotoGP legend in how they manage relationships and dynamics inside a team. “In my opinion, he and Valentino have some things in common,” Pirro said. He highlighted “harmony in the box,” and said both riders manage to be “loved by the group,” suggesting that team culture matters as much as performance. Pirro added that, on a personal level, he believes they are “really easy to work with.”

To illustrate that attitude, Pirro recalled an incident from last year at Misano, when Marquez crashed during the Sprint. According to Pirro’s memory of the exchange, Marquez’s response was not to spiral but to assess and reassure. Pirro said Marquez told the team: “The hard part is done. I was very strong, the last two corners, I relaxed for a moment, but guys, the bike is fine, don’t worry. Leave everything as it is, I’ll take care of it.” Pirro noted that Marquez then got up and left.

Pirro’s comments also touched on the broader narrative around Marquez’s transition from Honda to Ducati. While some observers have suggested that his competitive instincts may have changed since the move, Pirro argued that Marquez’s dedication has not been affected. He pointed to the challenge of helping Ducati regain championship momentum earlier in the year, saying Marquez managed to do so and apply pressure to rivals.

In Pirro’s framing, Marquez’s confidence in pursuing a difficult objective comes from more than experience alone. He described it as a mature mindset that prevents panic when things go wrong, reinforcing the same theme he used to explain why Marquez is “easy” to work with: clear thinking, steady communication, and the ability to keep the team focused on solutions rather than problems.