Jorge Martín made it clear: after not having a place in the Ducati factory team in 2023 and 2024, he wanted to be in an official team next year – even if he had to give up the dream of reaching Borgo Panigale. And so he did, heading to Aprilia when it became evident that Ducati’s choice would be Marc Márquez.
In 2022, Ducati faced a choice between two riders – Martín (Prima Pramac) and Enea Bastianini, the same age, who at the time was with Gresini. Both were in satellite teams in their second seasons in the premier class, so they were on equal footing.
However, the Spaniard came from a 2021 where he suffered a complicated injury in the third round, recovering to show impressive results – including a victory. Something he was not able to repeat in 2022, despite greater consistency and reaching the podium three times.
At the same time, Bastianini was having his best season of his career so far: four wins and two second places, earning him third place in the final championship standings. The choice seemed obvious in favor of the Italian.
However, in 2023, the scenario was very different. Martín fought for the title and only lost to Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) in the last race. Bastianini, on the other hand, had a year marked by injuries that kept him out for a long time. His progress and adaptation in the Ducati factory team was therefore hindered, and the manufacturer wanted to give him a new opportunity.
This opportunity did not earn him continuity beyond 2024… but the chosen one ended up being Marc Márquez and not Martín. #89 is currently leading the championship with two victories and only missed the podium in two main races. In addition, he won three Sprint races.
At 26 years old, Martín has greater future potential than Márquez, who is approaching 32 years old. It is clear that Martín represents the future, while Márquez is unlikely to be in MotoGP for such a long time. The reader may think: what logic is there in giving up a future rider for a rival, choosing one with less long-term prospects?
Márquez is a safe choice from a sporting point of view, but also from a marketing and image perspective it is essential. It is understandable, therefore, that he is chosen by Ducati. And, in a way, the future is secured by Ducati.
Fermín Aldeguer signed for two seasons (2025 and 2026) with two more as an option. An ideal timing for Márquez to do two seasons and eventually put an end to his career surpassing Valentino Rossi in the number of titles. Or for Bagnaia to choose a different professional challenge. And, there, in 2027, Aldeguer could start the new regulatory cycle as Ducati’s great future bet.
There are no decisions with only advantages and only disadvantages. Teams always seek to make the best decision taking into account all aspects, from sports to financial, marketing and image, both in the short and medium to long term. Some decisions prove to be less accurate over time; others prove to have been ideal. What will be the case of Ducati with the choice of Márquez instead of Martín? We will find out in the coming seasons.
