For months, rumors swirled around the paddock. Why had Ducati chosen to part ways with Francesco Bagnaia? At what point did Pedro Acosta become Borgo Panigale's top priority? And how did Marc Marquez secure his contract extension? For the first time, Mauro Grassilli, Ducati's sporting director, reveals the behind-the-scenes stories of these decisions that will shape the new MotoGP era starting in 2027. And some of his revelations are particularly telling.
One might have thought that extending Marc Marquez After his performance in 2026, it would be a mere formality. According to GrassilliIt was exactly the opposite. The first contract signed in 2024 had already required a delicate decision in the face of George Martin et Enea BastianiniBut this time, the discussions were even more complex.
« The renewal was more difficult because Marc wanted something different from the first agreement, particularly in financial terms and several other aspects. », Explains the Italian leader. Ducati thus acknowledges that Marquez was now in a position of strength in the negotiations.
Grassilli However, it should be noted that The agreement could never have been reached without the support of the brand's partners and sponsors..
Another interesting revelation: despite the injuries that have marked his career, Ducati He claims to have never questioned his pilot's physical abilities. We trusted Marc, both as a driver and as a man.We knew that if there was a physical problem that could affect his future, he would have told us about it. »
This was an important statement, given the questions surrounding his physical condition that had accompanied his arrival in Borgo Panigale. Today, Ducati clearly considers this matter to be definitively closed.
Mauro Grassilli: “ With Acosta, it was almost love at first sight, and Bagnaia's remarks had consequences. »
Grassilli also commented on the departure of Francis BagnaiaHis explanation goes far beyond the purely sporting aspect. According to him, the 2025 season gradually deteriorated the relationship between the two parties. Some of the statements were quite harsh.The driver is the team leader. When this leader makes statements that weaken the team, it inevitably has consequences."Behind this sentence, the idea clearly emerges that the break was not built solely on results, but also on a loss of mutual trust.
Quite the opposite of what happened with the newcomer… With Acosta, it was almost love at first sight. » Grassilli describes the birth of the relationship between Ducati et Peter Acosta with a particularly apt metaphor. We had been observing each other for a long time. When we finally had the opportunity to meet, it was almost love at first sight. »
An image that perfectly illustrates the long-term work done behind the scenes. Because Ducati They weren't just recruiting a fast driver. They were looking for someone who would embody the future of the brand after Marc Marquez.
Grassilli He also emphasizes a point that is rarely highlighted. We do not look at passports or nationalities.We look at performance, but also at a rider's ability to win the hearts of Ducati fans.. » According to him, Pedro Acosta He already possesses all the qualities sought. His speed. His aggressiveness. His charisma. And above all, what he calls "the Desmo spirit." A phrase that perfectly sums up Borgo Panigale's current philosophy: recruiting riders capable of winning... but also of representing the brand's identity.
The main challenge now remains: making them coexist. Marc Marquez et Peter Acosta. Here again, Ducati doesn't seem particularly worried. There might be some friction.They are two extremely strong drivers. But it's better to learn how to manage two champions than not to have them at all.. » A philosophy already defended on several occasions by Luigi Dall'Igna.
Ultimately, this interview reveals one thing above all. Ducati is no longer just preparing for next season. The Italian manufacturer is already building for the future.MarquezBy extending the contract of their champion while also recruiting Peter AcostaBorgo Panigale seeks to ensure a rare continuity in MotoGP: retaining the best rider of the present while integrating the one it considers to be the best rider of tomorrow.
The "love at first sight" mentioned by Mauro Grassilli Therefore, the statement in the "ZamTube" podcast is probably not just a simple formula. It summarizes Ducati's deep conviction: Peter Acosta This is not just a recruitment. It is the cornerstone of the project that must extend Borgo Panigale's dominance into the next technological era of MotoGP.
