After an intense racing incident at Portimao, where Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez found themselves out of the race due to an overtaking attempt, Ducati took steps to ensure everything was in order between the two star riders. Ducati sporting director Mauro Grassilli quickly intervened to ease potential tensions.
Asked by crash.net on his method of intervention during the Circuit of the Americas, Grassilli described a direct and effective approach: “ it was very simple,” he explained. “ I texted each of them, I think it was Monday or Tuesday, just to check, 'Hey guys, is everything okay?' ». The answers of bagnaia et Marquez were not long in coming: “ Yes, everything is under control, can't wait COTA“, they assured.
The Portimao incident had deprived both competitors of valuable points, as they were both aiming for fifth place. This loss proved even more frustrating at the next event at COTA, where Marc Marquez fell while leading the race, and bagnaia finished fifth.
Ducati: “ Hey guys, is everything okay? »
Following these events, Marquez finds himself 44 points behind the championship leader, Jorge Martin, and bagnaia at 30 points. The incident not only affected their championship position but also raised concerns about future tensions, especially as Ducati had previously expressed reservations about Marquez's sometimes aggressive driving style before recruiting him.
This incident in Portimao showed that internal rivalries could present challenges. However, the rapid response of Grassilli seems to have dampened spirits for the moment. Both drivers are now preparing for the next round of the championship at Jerez, as part of a Spanish Grand Prix scheduled for April 28 to 30, where they will try to catch up ranking.
