Ducati will have to cut this Gordian knot which currently binds Enea Bastianini and Jorge Matin around the second red machine in the official box. A difficult choice which was nevertheless of the order of formality at the start of the year. At that moment, the Spaniard's arrival alongside Bagnaia was beyond doubt. Then the Italian revealed himself, with three victories in the GP21. His consideration was obvious. Who will be chosen? In Borgo Panigale it was announced that everything would be decided at the end of August, but now there is talk of an announcement at the beginning of September, in Misano. The tension is rising, which is also inexplicable because all Ducati executives assure that in red or at Pramac, it will be the same, from the bike to technical support and even salary...
At Ducati, we insist that between Jorge Martin et Enea Bastianini, in 2023, it will be the same treatment, but with different colors. There is therefore no a priori debate. But then why Jorge Martin constantly reminds us that if he doesn't have a red suit, he will look elsewhere? And besides where? Unless there is disappointment, we are witnessing a sensational heist of Honda ? So, there is still a bit of pressure.
On the one hand, there is the Spaniard, 3 Moto2018 world champion, author of a victory for his debut in MotoGP, in AustriaWith the Ducati from the Pramac team. On the other, there is the Italian, Moto2 world champion in 2020, who has already won three races with the Gresini team this year. Currently the difference between the two in the championship is great, given that Martin scored 81 points and bastianini 118. And the latter made it a point of honor to finish the last British Grand Prix at Silverstone in front of the first, for a fourth place acquired despite a less wing on his GP21.
One thing is clear, however, according to what the sporting director says Davide Tardozzi : " both will be treated the same, both at Pramac and in the official team. Right now they have the same opportunities on the track, even though Bastianini has last year's bike ". And both were entitled to rear wings in England. In this regard, they were better received by bastianini by Martin.
The red Ducati? “ The results speak for themselves and lean towards Enea Bastianini rather than Jorge Martin«
The competition director Paolo ciabatti confirms the pattern described by Tardozzi : “ Both Enea and Jorge have the same opportunities. Obviously, each of them has its strengths and positive sides. One nice thing is that both of them signed with us. They will benefit from identical treatment in 2023, both economically and technically. We don't think either candidate will be under any additional pressure as they will receive exactly the same salary whether they drive for Pramac or in the factory team. In addition, they will receive exactly the same motorcycles and identical technical support ».
The Italian adds: “ In my opinion, we have relieved the pilots with this approach. Of course, it could still be more prestigious if you get a contract for the Factory Ducati Lenovo team instead of Pramac ", is conscious Ciabatta, who are " even if you earn the same money. It's just a question of whether you ride with the factory colors or not. We don't think it should make a difference. Because we promised Enea and Jorge identical development steps and updates ».
If, at George Martin, we care about red, the manager of bastianini what Carlo Pernat appears more open. He argues thus: “ there is an agreement which provides identical conditions, in all respects, whether he is in the official team or whether he is at Pramac. Of course, on the one hand there is the team bike official which represents the coat of arms and the highest aspiration for a pilot, but on the other there is the possibility of finding oneself, with the same technical equipment and the same men, in an environment where the pressure would be less ».
So what does it matter? Charles Pernat slips anyway... " The results speak for themselves and lean towards Enea rather than Jorge Martin ". The next Austrian Grand Prix promises to be explosive between the two men, and firstly because George Martin loves this route of the Red Bull Ring where he made it happen with Ducati en MotoGP during his rookie season. He must give the lie to bastianini which has already materialized three times this year.
