Marc Marquez: The Wrong Choice for Ducati? Ducati Boss Responds to Bastianini’s Criticism
Enea Bastianini was critical of Ducati’s decision to sign Marc Marquez to their factory MotoGP team after his Silverstone triumph. Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, has now responded to Bastianini’s comments.
Bastianini had a near-perfect MotoGP weekend at Silverstone, winning both the Sprint and Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Marquez, who will replace Bastianini in the Ducati factory team in 2025, left without a trophy.
Bastianini said, “I didn’t understand Ducati’s choice anyway. They lost two riders like Jorge [Martin] and me because of it.” He will move to Tech3 KTM in 2025, while Martin joins the Aprilia factory team.
Dall’Igna responded to Bastianini’s criticism, saying, “I’m extremely happy for him. Unfortunately, we had to choose one of three riders. Even though each of them deserved the place in the factory team. I’ve always said it was a very difficult decision – professionally and sportingly, but also humanly. Part of my job is to be criticized. I accept that, as it should be.”
Whether the criticism of Ducati’s decision grows or fades will depend on two factors. If Martin or Bastianini win the 2024 MotoGP World Championship and then leave Ducati as reigning champions, it will be a blow to the manufacturer.
However, if Marquez delivers for the factory team in 2025, Ducati’s decision will be vindicated. Otherwise, it could be considered a mistake by Ducati management.
Weighing the Options
The decision to sign Marquez over Martin or Bastianini was a tough one. All three riders have proven their talent, but ultimately, Ducati chose experience over youth.
Marquez is a seven-time MotoGP World Champion with a wealth of experience. He knows how to win races and championships. However, he has also been plagued by injuries in recent years, which could be a concern for Ducati.
Martin and Bastianini are both rising stars with bright futures. They have both shown that they have the potential to be world champions. However, they lack the experience of Marquez, which could be a disadvantage in the long run.
Only time will tell whether Ducati made the right decision in signing Marquez. However, one thing is for sure, the 2025 MotoGP season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
