By finishing as vice-champion in 2024, Francesco Bagnaia loses the right to wear the #1 on his Ducati for the upcoming MotoGP season – meaning he will have to return to #63.
Right after the race at the GP Solidário in Barcelona, the Italian took the symbolic action of removing the #1 sticker from his Ducati fairings in the team’s garage, placing it on his chest: ‘Still a Number 1 in all Ducatistis heart!’, the team wrote on social media.
However, neither Bagnaia nor Ducati will be able to use that number in the next season. It now belongs by right to Jorge Martín, who will move to Aprilia.
The Spanish rider is not required to use the #1, but no one else can use it in his place. So far, Martín has not revealed whether or not he will exercise his right to use the number.
Still a Number 1 in all Ducatistis heart! 🥹❤️🔥 Grazie, @PeccoBagnaia! #SolidarityGP#ForzaDucati #DucatiLenovoTeam pic.twitter.com/OHg524LNeS
— Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) November 17, 2024