Marco Melandri, former 250cc world champion in 2002, shared his thoughts on Marc Marquez's transfer to Ducati and other important moves in the world of MotoGP during an interview with Relevo.com. The rider from Ravenna, who has now swapped motorized two-wheelers for bicycles, also spoke about Jorge Martin at Aprilia, Enea Bastianini and the influence of Liberty Media on the sport.
Marco Melandri admits he was surprised by Ducati's decision to sign Marquez: “ I didn't expect to see Marc Marquez on the factory Ducati. If I have to think like Ducati, I say to myself: Bagnaia has won two world championships and he has three years left on his contract... Why put at your side someone who can change the balance both on the track and in the box? Because yes, Marquez is very imposing »
It also highlights the possible influence of Liberty Media, recently became the owner of Dorna, on this decision: “ my feeling is that the new owner, Liberty Media, pushed to have Marquez. They want to make MotoGP a spectacle, and that's why they need battles »
For Melandri, the addition of Marquez could not only generate exciting clashes on the track but also behind the scenes: “ they want to see a box with a big battle, not only on the track but also behind closed doors »
Marco Melandri: “ I think Pramac will go to Yamaha »
Concerning George Martin, Melandri thinks his transfer to Aprilia was a major trigger for these movements: “ I think Ducati chose Marquez, without a doubt. But also that it is Martin who started it all, because he immediately signed with Aprilia. »
He adds that this decision could have implications for the future of Pramac : " I think Pramac will go to Yamaha, we will have to see what happens with Aldeguer, if he will end up at Gresini or VR46 »
Melandri believes thatEnea Bastianini was taken by surprise by these events: “ I think Enea Bastianini didn't expect what happened and was surprised. But he will have the official KTM, but in a satellite team »
For Melandri, the fact that talented pilots like Martin et Marquez pushed so hard for places in the factory teams shows the importance of these positions: “ everyone says you can win even in satellite teams, but no one wants to be there. There must be a reason, right? »
The recent decisions of Ducati and the pilot transfers show to what extent the MotoGP is a dynamic and unpredictable sport, where every choice can have major repercussions on the grid and beyond.
