Over the previous couple of weeks, Ducati administration has recommended that it desires to decide on who companions Bagnaia in 2025 by the Mugello race.
Coming into this weekend’s seventh spherical of the 12 months, it seems the choice is between championship chief Jorge Martin and eight-time grand prix world champion Marc Marquez.
Whereas a choice is predicted quickly, Ducati has advised Motorsport.com’s Spanish version that an announcement must wait.
“We’ve by no means mentioned that we’re going to announce it at Mugello,” mentioned a Ducati consultant.
“What we now have all the time mentioned is that, from Mugello onwards, we are going to start to stipulate what the choice is.”
Ducati’s basic supervisor Gigi Dall’Igna famous: “The choice will come quickly, however then contracts are all the time sophisticated and negotiations can take longer than anticipated.
“We’ll want time to use the concept, make it a actuality after which talk it to the general public.”
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Ducati’s sporting director Mauro Grassilli, when chatting with Italian TV, added: “The choice is as tough as firstly of the championship.
“We’re already starting to put some vital foundations and we’re on the precise path. However there will likely be no announcement in Mugello.”
In an excellent world, Ducati will promote Martin to the manufacturing unit staff whereas Marquez – who has softened to the concept in latest weeks – would take his place at Pramac with full manufacturing unit assist.
Nonetheless, this example just isn’t as simple because it appears. With Martin being handed over for a manufacturing unit staff seat in favour of Enea Bastianini for final 12 months, he sees no different possibility to stay at Ducati apart from changing Bastianini in 2025.
However there are different components at play, such because the monetary packages Ducati must stump as much as afford each Martin and Marquez, who sits third within the standings simply six rounds into his first season on the 2023-spec Gresini-run Desmosedici.
Then there’s the advertising and marketing issue, with Marquez absolutely holding rather more weight on this regard than Martin.
Although an announcement received’t come at Mugello, a choice being made on the Italian GP – so far as Pramac staff boss Gino Borsoi is anxious – could be the best time for all events.
It’s because Pramac wants to speak with Yamaha in Italy if it desires to press forward with a satellite tv for pc deal for 2025, or proceed with a two-year renewal as Ducati’s solely factory-supported buyer squad.
What occurs right here will even have ramifications for VR46 Racing and Gresini, that are additionally Ducati satellite tv for pc squads however don’t have manufacturing unit bikes.
