The upcoming Italian GP at Mugello marks Ducati’s home round in the MotoGP season. Given the occasion, one might have expected an announcement regarding the missing piece in the factory team lineup. However, that won’t be the case.
As the mid-point of the year approaches, decisions regarding riders are becoming increasingly pressing. The situation for Ducati is particularly challenging, with three strong and legitimate candidates vying for just one spot.
Francesco Bagnaia has already extended his contract until 2026 before the season began. Now, the question remains about who will join him. Currently, it is Enea Bastianini, but his future is far from certain, with intense competition for the spot.
Firstly, there is Jorge Martín, who is currently leading the championship convincingly and is part of the satellite team Prima Pramac. Then there is Marc Márquez, who, despite being with Gresini, has been putting in strong performances. Given his stature, Márquez is naturally a difficult asset to overlook.
This makes the decision particularly challenging for Borgo Panigale. Ducati’s Sporting Director, Mauro Grassilli, acknowledged this in an interview with GPOne.com, ruling out any announcement during the Italian GP: ‘The decision is as difficult as at the beginning of the championship. We are starting to lay some important foundations and are on the right path. But there won’t be an announcement at Mugello’.