Ducati presents itself in 2024 with a different market policy for riders than is often usual, and the confirmation of the hiring of Fermín Aldeguer today confirms just that.
If not long ago the manufacturer renewed with two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia, today they officially closed the acquisition of Aldeguer with a two-year contract, with an option for two more years, which could mean that the 18-year-old Spaniard may be directly linked to the Borgo Panigale constructor until 2029, if that is the desire of both parties, in 2027.
If Bagnaia is secure and has earned the full trust of the Ducati Lenovo Team officials, the same cannot be said for Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), Franco Morbidelli (Pramac Racing), or the Gresini Racing duo, the Márquez brothers, both with contracts ending at the end of this year.
And let’s not forget about the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, whose contract with Ducati ends in late 2024, and there are already rumors that Valentino Rossi’s team may be packing their bags to become a satellite team for Yamaha, even though Pablo Nieto recently said that the plan is to stay connected to Ducati, especially at a time when Yamaha is going through a turbulent period and (des)perately waiting for more data and information to develop the M1.
And Jorge Martín? Martín has already publicly stated that he wants to be in a factory team in 2025. Whether it’s Ducati or not… remains to be seen, but it’s important to remember that twice now the manufacturer’s confidence has been placed in Bastianini.
What is certain is that among so many riders connected to the manufacturer, there will inevitably be changes, if only to “place” Aldeguer, who, having a contract with Ducati, will probably have to move to Pramac, since a factory seat at this stage, for a rookie, seems highly unlikely and goes against the usual practice of the manufacturer.
