Ducati is currently the most competitive manufacturer in MotoGP, investing heavily in an expensive category. One of the measures aimed at cutting costs is reducing the salaries of its riders – particularly in satellite teams.
A senior member from the Borgo Panigale manufacturer stated to Motorsport.com: ‘The global economic situation is not very stable right now, due to the wars and conflicts that are ongoing. What Ducati doesn’t want is to commit to paying amounts that may be difficult to meet in one or two years. It’s important to note that we sell 60,000 motorcycles per year, which puts us in a different position from Yamaha and Honda, for example’.
Recently, Francesco Bagnaia renewed his contract until 2026, and according to the aforementioned site, his annual base salary is around seven million euros. However, it could exceed ten million euros if he becomes champion again. Albert Valera, Jorge Martín’s manager, explained that the titles won by Bagnaia had a significant impact on the Italian’s salary, while before, the base salaries of Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, and Martín were equal. Ducati also rewards riders who finish in the top three of the championship.
Andrea Dovizioso’s departure after 2020 allowed for a salary reduction of around 50%, and the idea is to continue on this path. Therefore, it seems unlikely that Martín will stay, especially at Pramac, as the aforementioned executive stated: ‘Martín’s case was unique because he fought for promotion to the factory team with Enea. Either of them deserved it, so Ducati matched their conditions. That’s over now. The idea has always been that this satellite team serves as a platform for younger riders to prepare for the move to the factory team. But for that, salaries must be in line with that direction. Ducati cannot be paying a base salary of two million euros to a rider in a satellite team’.