Ducati has decided: Marc Marquez will be Francesco Bagnaia's teammate for the 2025-2026 seasons, thus ruling out Jorge Martin. A decision that causes a lot of talk, but difficult to dispute the value of the eight-time world champion. Opinions differ: some believe that Martin deserved this place more, while others fear potential tensions with the former Honda driver. It remains to be seen whether sparks will fly with Pecco.
Davide Tardozzi , following Gigi Dall'Igna 's comments , explained the reasons behind Ducati's choice of Marc Marquez . " Marc's ability to adapt very quickly to the bike and his performances since the start of the season were decisive ," he told Cycle World . " It was clearly difficult to say no to Jorge. We tried to keep both riders until it was no longer possible and we had to make a decision. The final decision was made on Sunday after the race ."
Regarding Marquez 's public statements refusing to join Prima Pramac Racing, Tardozzi insists that this did not influence Ducati 's decision : " Ducati's choice was based on results, the value of the riders and future opportunities, not on what Marc said or didn't say ."
Davide Tardozzi: “ at Ducati we believe we can handle two champions like Pecco and Marc without problem »
Inevitably, Bagnaia 's reaction to this decision was expected. " Pecco has often said that he hopes to maintain the harmony in the stable ," explains Tardozzi . " His main concern is that situations could disrupt this atmosphere . That's also our priority. We believe we can manage two champions like him and Marc without any problems ."
Maintaining a good atmosphere in the garage is crucial. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi says he is ready to intervene personally to prevent any conflict. He also emphasizes that Marquez 's arrival in no way diminishes Bagnaia 's status . " Marc may have more titles, but that doesn't change our confidence in Pecco. He has led the bike's development in recent years and remains our priority . We wanted to offer him the best possible teammate ."
Even with his two MotoGP titles, Pecco Bagnaia will have to adapt to coexisting with a teammate as imposing as Marc Marquez , an additional challenge for the Italian.
