RiderTua.com – Not the Bestia versus Martinator duel, but Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin who are fighting for a seat next to Pecco Bangnaia in the official Ducati team.. Ducati is thinking about Marc Marquez in the factory team starting next MotoGP season. For Ducati, it will be a busy 2024 season in two respects: on the track and behind the paddock. Almost all MotoGP rider contracts will expire at the end of the year, so the name of Pecco Bagnaia’s potential partner needs to be determined. Enea Bastianini could change brands (Aprilia), Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez compete for a place in the factory team. But the VR46 deal is also underway, with Yamaha aiming to snatch Valentino Rossi’s satellite team.
Starting this year, former sporting director Paolo Ciabatti will no longer sit at the negotiating table to recruit riders, but will be replaced by Mauro Grassilli. The first step has been to extend the contract with world champion Pecco Bagnaia, an effort that is undoubtedly the desire of both parties who want to continue together. The Borgo Panigale manufacturer can certainly be relied on as the most competitive bike in the MotoGP class, so it has the opportunity to choose who will be the second rider more easily. Of course it is impossible to set high salaries. “We are trying to return to more sustainable figures in terms of team management and rider salaries,” said Mauro Grassilli (Paolo Ciabatti’s replacement)
Will Martin Have the Same Fate as Diggia, Having to Leave to Give Up His Seat to Marc Marquez?
Choose Marquez or Martin?
The choice of riders is never individual, the main roles go to Gigi Dall’Igna and Claudio Domenicali, Grassilli’s contribution will be small. The arrival of Jorge Martin was initially strengthened to accompany Pecco Bagnaia, but apparently the arrival of Marc Marquez could shake his initial goal. Much will depend on the economic offer they are willing to accept, with Ducati of course having the upper hand thanks to its super competitive bike. Is Marquez also willing to not be paid by the team anymore? “We are not in a rush to decide who will be the second official rider. But the choice will be important, must be considered and takes time. We have many riders to choose from,” said Mauro Grassilli..
There’s no point in hiding the fact that the eight-time world champion is a reasonable hypothesis, he would reap huge marketing and sponsorship benefits. “Marc really likes the brand. He is a rider who has won many victories and has great charisma. I haven’t known him for long, but he seems honest, sincere and an extraordinary person. Marquez is an important rider to consider.. The economic situation “global forces force us to be very careful with our expenses (salaries), both for the official team and the Pramac team,” Mauro Grassilli underlined, without ignoring the financial aspect.
If Marc is recruited by Ducati to the official team, there will be many benefits:
- Ducati’s promotional event for the Ducati bike brand benefited from recruiting Martin
- It is possible that Marc did not demand a high salary at the start of his joining, unlike Martinator who definitely asked for a ‘Standard’ salary.
- Marc will strengthen the Lenovo team’s points in the team standings so the main sponsor will also like this option
- Marquez will increase the level of competition and encourage Pecco Bagnaia to further raise his standards.
Although there is one classic problem, namely that there will be internal conflict because there will be proof of who is number one in the official Ducati team.
