“It would be impossible to count,” says Jorge Martin when asked how many times he has been asked about his future recently. It is the defining theme of MotoGP: Who will get the second factory place at Ducati from 2025? Only when this question is clarified will the rest of the ‘Silly Season’ get rolling. In addition to Martin, Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini are also in the raffle. They are all looking forward to the decision.
Jorge Martin is not revealing his cards: Ducati must decide first
“The result from Le Mans or here will not change the decision,” emphasized Martin again before Barcelona. The obvious date for the announcement would be Ducati’s home race in Mugello in a week. The Pramac rider also assumes this and makes it clear once again that he is willing to change: “In the next two weeks I will decide my future, because then I will know Ducati’s decision and my options. I am satisfied that many manufacturers believe in mine Knock on the door. That means I’m doing a good job.”
The World Championship leader once again doesn’t rule anything out when it comes to his future: “The Europeans, Aprilia and KTM, are certainly in good shape, but Yamaha and Honda will also be back. There are many competitive options.” But the number one goal is clearly the factory Ducati next to it Francesco Bagnaia. That’s why there won’t be anything more to hear from the Spaniard before this decision: “It’s time to wait and see. I can’t control what will happen.” It has been clear since Thursday: Due to the announced resignation of his friend Aleix Espargaro at Aprilia, there would be a place available for Martin there.
Marc Marquez wants a Ducati GP25
Marc Marquez is Martin’s biggest rival for the seat at Ducati. “I will try to find the best possible option that will allow me to fight for the title again,” the superstar makes clear. And factory equipment would be helpful for that: “If I want to fight for the World Championship, then I can do that this year. But it would make my life on the track easier. Every rider is looking for the best. I know what my preferred idea is.”
Even if Marquez does not express this idea openly, it is clear which bike he wants: “For me, the Ducati is the best bike. It has the most potential on all tracks. That’s why I chose to go to Ducati with Gresini. I was looking for the best bike and it’s still here.” That leaves two likely options: moving up to the factory team or getting an upgrade to the 2025 specification at Gresini.
But even if another change of manufacturer is considered unlikely, the 31-year-old is still not ruling it out: “Of course you have to look at all the possibilities. If you as a rider have no contract for next year and there are still many places open, then you have to look at them all.” And as good as the Desmosedici is, he also recognizes the strength of the competition: “Aprilia and KTM are getting closer and closer. Maverick [Vinales] has proven that he can win races. Aleix [Espargaro] has here [in Barcelona] won last year.”
Only outsiders: Enea Bastianini is already flirting with Aprilia
This leaves the third in the group. Enea Bastianini currently holds the factory seat and is still considered an outsider. “This is probably the most difficult decision for Ducati ever. We [die drei Kandidaten und Bagnaia, Anm. d. Red.] are currently making up the top 4 in the championship,” he shows understanding for the Ducati bosses. He has overcome his performance gap from 2023: “At the moment my situation is not bad. The Ducati is fast on all routes and better than last year. I can be the factory driver next year, but I am aware of the speed of Jorge and Marc. It’s a complicated thing, but I have faith that I can stay here.”
