Ducati Faces Criticism Over Marc Marquez Signing for 2025 MotoGP Season.
Ducati admits its decision to sign Marc Marquez for its factory MotoGP team in 2025 over Jorge Martin has drawn criticism from some quarters. The move has generated a “divisive” reaction, particularly in Italy.
Initially, Ducati planned to replace Enea Bastianini with last year’s runner-up, Jorge Martin, while placing Marquez at Pramac on a factory-spec bike. However, Marquez’s reluctance to join Pramac forced Ducati to alter its plans and promote him from Gresini instead.
While the addition of six-time champion Marquez is a significant boost for Ducati from both marketing and competitive perspectives, it has strained its long-term relationships with Martin and Pramac.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali acknowledged that the decision was challenging and has not been universally supported. Despite Martin’s consistent performance with Pramac since his MotoGP debut in 2021, Ducati opted for Marquez.
“It was a very difficult choice for us, because we love Jorge very much,” Domenicali said. “Jorge has been with us for a long time, he is very strong. It was very difficult. Time will tell if it was the right choice or not. Marc’s choice is very divisive, much more in Italy than in the rest of the world because of his story and what happened in the past. From what I read, no one questions his talent, but several have very characterised opinions about his story.”
Despite Marquez’s addition being a major coup, Ducati may face a weaker position compared to rivals next year. Pramac will end its 20-year partnership with Ducati to become a Yamaha satellite team in 2025. Additionally, current VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi will join Martin at Aprilia next year, and Bastianini will move to Tech3 KTM.
When asked if Ducati’s rider market changes had strengthened the opposition too much, Domenicali said, “We hope not, in the sense that we need the riders, the bike, the technique. You have to dose your energy well.” He also highlighted the importance of financial sustainability in racing, noting that while rival manufacturers are offering substantial contracts, Ducati aims to balance its expenditure on bike development with rider salaries.
