Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has lauded the current form of their 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 peak, Ducati faces a challenging decision in selecting the right partner for Bagnaia in the factory team for the 2025 season.
Exceptional Performances:
- Pecco Bagnaia: The reigning champion has continued to demonstrate his exceptional skills, consistently securing top positions.
- Jorge Martin: Known for his speed and precision, Martin has been a formidable competitor, showcasing his potential to win championships.
- Marc Marquez: After a period of recovery, Marquez has returned to form, proving his resilience and championship pedigree.
- Enea Bastianini: Despite facing penalties, Bastianini delivered a remarkable performance at Le Mans, underscoring his competitive spirit and talent.
Statements from Claudio Domenicali:
- “Any choice we make will attract criticism, but it must be made.”
- “We are seeing the best Pecco, the best Jorge, the best Marc, and the best Enea.”
- “Internal competition is a stimulus to improve our bikes.”
Domenicali emphasized the importance of making a well-considered decision by the Mugello race, ensuring that Ducati respects the riders involved while maintaining their competitive edge. The internal competition among these top-tier riders is seen as a positive force, driving the team to enhance their bikes and overall performance.
“The conditions are in place to do extraordinary work. F1 has grown a lot since Liberty took over, adding a whole host of elements. “MotoGP has extraordinary potential , the show is already of 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 have done in the past with the drivers has generated a lot of talent,” he said. Although Ducati has not only created talent, it has also rescued it. “ Márquez, riding one of our motorcycles, has returned. “He has cleared up the doubts of those who thought that we would never again see him as fit as before his injuries ,” he said.
“Any choice we make will attract criticism, but it must be made” ; and he hopes it will be taken sooner rather than later. “We will not extend this out of respect for the riders involved. It is an almost impossible decision in some ways. 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 formidable race at Le Mans, finishing 2″ behind the winner despite a penalty ,” he recalled.
Although having ‘two roosters’ inside the Ducati box is, according to many, a dangerous situation; Domenicali is not afraid. “The internal competition is a stimulus to also improve the motorcycles. In the past we opted for another dynamic, taking a first and a second rider, but it did not bear fruit. Having two competitive riders helps keep the level high. “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 dynamics within the team but also impact the broader 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 keenly observing how Ducati will balance performance, team harmony, and strategic goals.
Conclusion:
Ducati’s leadership is faced with a complex but exciting decision as they choose between four of the top riders in MotoGP. With each rider bringing unique strengths and potential, the final selection will shape the future of Ducati’s dominance in the sport. The forthcoming races, particularly at Mugello, will be crucial in finalizing this decision.