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, after the declarations of Gigi Dall'Igna, explained the reasons behind the choice of Ducati for Marc Marquez. " Marc's ability to adapt very quickly to the bike and his performances since the start of the season have been decisive,” he told CycleWorld. " It was clearly difficult to say no to Jorge. We tried to keep both pilots until it was no longer possible and we had to make a decision. The final decision was made on Sunday after the race »
As for the public statements of Marquez refusing to join Prima Pramac racing, Tardozzi assures that this did not influence the decision to Ducati : " the choice of Ducati was based on results, the value of the riders and future opportunities, not on what Marc said or did not say »
Davide Tardozzi: “ at Ducati we believe we can handle two champions like Pecco and Marc without problem »
Inevitably, the reaction of bagnaia this decision was expected. “ Pecco has often repeated that he hopes maintain the harmony that reigns in the box, " explain Tardozzi. " His main concern is that situations could harm this climate. This is also our priority. We think we can handle two champions like him and Marc without problem »
Maintaining a good atmosphere in the box is crucial. The team manager of Ducati, Davide Tardozzi, says he is ready to intervene personally to avoid any conflict. He also emphasizes that the arrival of Marquez in no way diminishes the status of bagnaia. " Marc may have more titles, but that doesn't change our confidence in Pecco. He has led the development of the bike in recent years and remains our priority. We wanted to offer him the best teammate possible »
Even with his two MotoGP titles, Pecco bagnaia will have to adapt to cohabitation with a teammate as imposing as Marc Marquez, an additional challenge for the Italian.
