Let's Talk MotoGP: Does Martin's Title Call Ducati's Choice Into Question?

Today we're going to look at a question that's been bothering me for a while. Does Jorge Martin's MotoGP world championship title over factory rider Pecco Bagnaia call into question Ducati's choice, who, mid-season, set his sights on Marc Marquez? This is quite an interesting question because there is, in my opinion, no wrong answer. I will nevertheless give you my opinion in this subjective and reasoned analysis.

A real difference?

 

In my opinion, and as crazy as it may seem, no. The choice of Marc Marquez to replace Enea Bastianini makes as much sense in December as it did in June. I know: this position seems contradictory, because the ranking is the best of hierarchies. Martin won, so he is supposed to be the best… and who doesn't want the best on their team? This argument holds.

 

 

From my thoughts on this topic, I think that Martin lifting the cup does not change the situation. Would he have been less great if he had finished second, three points behind Bagnaia? No, obviously not.. In this tight year, he did not demonstrate that he was vastly superior to his rival, and ultimately amassed as many Sunday victories as Marc Marquez.

Moreover, at the time I said that I completely understood Ducati's choice. And in June, Martin was already very strong, well ahead of Bagnaia when he started the Italian Grand Prix, where everything came unstuck. Marquez was a little closer than at the end of the season in mathematical terms, yes, but certainly not as dangerous in the race. At the time, he was not regularly playing for victory as has become commonplace after the level reached in Austria.

So does this mean that the title is worthless? No, but simply, it confirms that Marquez was selected based on other criteria that are certainly no less important.

 

Why choose Marquez?

 

The question therefore arises: why not retain a rider who, as we knew since last year, was capable of playing for the world title? Marc Marquez brings other things, and already, his name. With Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Mick Doohan, Giacomo Agostini and the other myths, He is one of the greatest drivers of all time.. Many criticized Ducati for making this choice, but can a brand (any brand, for that matter) even resist signing one of the biggest stars in its sport if given the chance? I don't think so. IThere is no point in mentioning the media impact and the promised financial benefits., which will be infinitely more important than with Jorge Martin under the awning. That goes without saying and I don't think I need to go into detail about it.

 

 

Then, we must not neglect his talent. This year, Marc Marquez only had a Ducati Desmosedici GP23, quite far from the GP24, it was visually visible. So, I know that Marquez himself refused to justify the latent performance gap between him, Martin and Bagnaia in this way, but a solid argument cannot remove this idea from my head. Marco Bezzecchi, a three-time winner in MotoGP, has not lost his talent in such a short time. The Italian, with his GP23 at Ducati VR46, could not do anything other than a single podium in 2024. Has it become average or even mediocre? Of course not. I could also take the example of Alex Marquez, even less convincing than last year and light years away from his big brother.

The only Desmosedici GP23 that performed well all year was the one driven by Marc Marquez. It is a fact, no matter what anyone says, even those most concerned.

Having Marquez in your box means having a part of the legend, and a rider who is going strong, very strong. On a bike that is obviously less powerful, he still managed to win three times, and each time, in style. He could clearly be a MotoGP title contender next year given what he has shown this season.

 

From 93 to 44

 

I think his situation is comparable to that of Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1. The legend has just left Mercedes for Ferrari when he is almost 40 years old. Okay, Hamilton may not have been the best option on the market – although he remains strong – but which team can boast of being able to refuse a drive to the seven-time world champion? It is not possible, exactly like with Marc Marquez. What is certain is that the two will have the same ambition next year: to make history, and that's much bigger than a world title.

I am curious to know if you share my opinion, because there are other arguments in favor of Jorge Martin and his title now in his luggage. So, tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport