Ducati acknowledges that some people have criticized its choice to select Marc Marquez over Jorge Martin for its factory MotoGP team in 2025.
“Divisive” reactions have been observed in Italy, according to Ducati, regarding its intention to hire Marc Marquez for its factory MotoGP team in 2025.
The manufacturer has acknowledged that it has drawn some criticism for selecting six-time champion Marquez rather than Jorge Martin to be Francesco Bagania’s teammate in the upcoming campaign.
When it came to a larger strategy that included Marquez riding a factory-spec bike at Pramac, Ducati had originally focused on replacing Enea Bastianini with last year’s runner-up, Martin. However, Ducati was forced to reverse its initial decision and elevate Marquez from Gresini after the latter expressed reluctance to join Paolo Campinoti’s squad.
The squad has lost its long-term relationships with Martin and Pramac despite the fact that the 31-year-old’s acquisition is a huge competitive and commercial advantage.
Since Martin was passed over for the seat despite repeatedly demonstrating his value to Pramac since his MotoGP debut in 2021, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali is aware that not everyone has agreed with the company’s decision.
“We love Jorge so much that it was a very difficult decision for us,” he remarked.
Jorge or Marc was the option, then. Longtime member of our group, Jorge possesses great strength. It was quite challenging. Is it the right decision? Only time will tell.
“Because of his background and past events, Marc’s decision is highly contentious, especially in Italy compared to other countries.
“From what I’ve read, quite a few people have quite distinctive thoughts about his story, but nobody questions his talent.”
Despite the fact that Ducati’s acquisition of Marquez is unquestionably a major coup, it may find itself less competitive in the upcoming season.
First off, Pramac will be a Yamaha satellite team in 2025 after a 20-year partnership ended, meaning there will be two less bikes on the grid. In addition, Bastianini will be leaving the Ducati fold entirely to join Tech3 KTM, while current VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi will be joining Martin at Aprilia next year.
“We hope not, in the sense that we need the riders, the bike, and the technique,” Domenicali responded when asked if the Ducati-initiated rider market shakeup had made the opposition far stronger. A proper energy dosage is necessary.
Domenicali proceeded to say, “There is also a general problem of sustainability of this environment; several manufacturers are making choices that are not sustainable, in my opinion, but it is my opinion,” in reference to Ducati cutting back on its spending at a time when rival manufacturers have offered big-money contracts to lure its riders.
The firm, the races, and the families in Borgo Panigale are all very important to us. keeping the amount of money we spend on riders and the development of the bike in check.