The CEO of Ducati, Claudio Domenicali, praised the current form of its top riders, Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez, and Enea Bastianini, describing the situation as a “good problem” for the team. With each rider performing at their best, Ducati faces the difficult decision of selecting the right partner for Bagnaia in the factory team for the 2025 season.
Exceptional performances:
Pecco Bagnaia: The current champion continued to demonstrate his exceptional abilities, consistently securing top positions.
Jorge Martin: Known for his speed and precision, Martin has been a formidable competitor, showing his potential to win championships.
Marc Marquez: After a period of recovery, Marquez has returned to form, proving his resilience and champion pedigree.
Enea Bastianini: Despite penalties, Bastianini had a remarkable performance in Le Mans, highlighting his competitive spirit and talent.
Domenicali emphasized the importance of making a well-thought-out decision by the Mugello race, ensuring that Ducati respects the involved riders while maintaining its competitive edge. The internal competition among these top riders is seen as a positive force, leading the team to improve their bikes and overall performance.
“The conditions are created to do an extraordinary job. F1 has grown a lot since Liberty took control, adding a series of elements. “MotoGP has extraordinary potential, the show is already at a very high level and with the involvement of the United States it can reach new heights,” said Domenicali.
“It’s a complex situation in a good way: the work we did in the past with the riders generated a lot of talent,” he said. Although Ducati has not only created talents, it has also rescued them. “Márquez, with one of our bikes, returned. “He clarified the doubts of those who thought we would never see him as fit as before the injuries,” he said.
“Any choice we make will be subject to criticism, but it has to be made”; and hopes it will be made sooner rather than later. “We will not prolong this decision out of respect for the riders involved. It is an almost impossible decision in some aspects. It is difficult for Jorge Martín to do better than he did, Marc is growing in an extraordinary way. “Enea Bastianini is not ahead in points, but he had a great race in Le Mans, finishing 2” behind the winner, despite a penalty,” he recalled.
Although having ‘two roosters’ in the Ducati box is, according to many, a dangerous situation; Domenicali is not afraid. “Internal competition is a stimulus to improve the bikes as well. In the past, we opted for a different dynamic, with a first and a second rider, but it did not bear fruit. Having two competitive riders helps to maintain a high level. “Today we are seeing the best Pecco, the best Jorge, the best Marc, and the best Enea,” he concluded.
Strategic Considerations: Ducati’s decision will not only affect the team dynamics, but also the overall MotoGP landscape. The potential combinations of riders could create new rivalries and alliances, adding an exciting dimension to the upcoming seasons. As the team deliberates, fans and analysts are closely watching how Ducati will balance performance, team harmony, and strategic goals.
Conclusion:
Ducati’s management faces a complex but thrilling decision in choosing among four of the best MotoGP riders. With each rider bringing unique strengths and potentials, the final selection will shape Ducati’s future dominance in the sport. The upcoming races, particularly in Mugello, will be crucial in finalizing this decision.
