Ducati is the most competitive constructor in MotoGP currently, with a high degree of investment in an expensive category. One of the measures they are taking to cut costs is reducing the salaries of their riders – particularly in the satellite teams.
A senior executive from the Borgo Panigale manufacturer stated to Motorsport.com: ‘The global economic situation is not very stable right now, due to the wars and conflicts that are ongoing. What Ducati does not want is to commit to paying amounts that may be difficult to meet in one or two years. It should be noted that we sell 60,000 motorcycles per year and that puts us in a different level than Yamaha and Honda, for example‘.
Recently, Francesco Bagnaia renewed until 2026 and according to the aforementioned site, his annual base salary is around seven million euros. However, it can exceed ten million euros if he becomes champion again. Albert Valera, Jorge Martin’s manager, explained that the titles won by Bagnaia had a big impact on the Italian’s salary, while before the base salaries of Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, and Martin were on par. Ducati also rewards riders who finish in the top three of the World Championship.
Andrea Dovizioso’s departure after 2020 allowed for a salary reduction of around 50 percent, and the idea is to continue on this path. Therefore, it seems difficult for Martín to continue, especially at Pramac as the official mentioned: ‘Martín’s case was unique, because he fought for promotion to the official team with Enea. Either of them would have deserved it, and that’s why Ducati matched their conditions. That’s over now. The idea has always been for this satellite team to serve as a platform for younger riders to prepare to make the leap to the official team. But for that, salaries have to be in line with that path. Ducati cannot be paying a base of two million euros to a rider from a satellite team‘.
