Gigi Dall’Igna, the head of Ducati Corse, hasn’t officially announced that Marc Marquez will be joining the Gresini team in 2024. However, he’s openly pondering how to manage the Spaniard once he’s on a GP23. Dall’Igna recognizes Marquez’s speed and talent but also knows that he can be challenging to handle. This realization has led to the belief that Marquez’s inclusion will shake up the dynamics within the Ducati camp.
The current season has seen a tight race between Ducati riders Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia. With only three points separating them after the Japanese Grand Prix and 222 points still up for grabs, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will come out on top?
Marc Marquez has weighed in on the debate. Speaking to AS, he said, “For me, it will be Jorge Martin. Their speed is very similar, and they both have their strengths. But Martin has nothing to lose, and Bagnaia has everything.” Marquez believes that since Martin isn’t part of the official team and hasn’t won a championship yet, he’s in a position where he can only gain. On the other hand, Bagnaia, being part of the official team, is under pressure to win.
Marquez also observed that Martin is currently in top form, saying, “When you have that extra concentration and speed, everything comes out, and you feel that sensation with the bike.”
Aleix Espargaró shares Marquez’s sentiments. He commented on Martin’s impressive performance during the free practice session at Motegi, stating that it’s a clear indication of his potential to win the championship.
The possibility of Jorge Martin becoming the first privateer MotoGP World Champion is intriguing, especially considering Marquez will have a similar status with Gresini. However, this would be a blow to Pecco Bagnaia, marking him as the first official rider to be beaten to the title by a privateer from the same brand. It raises the question: Would Ducati allow the number 1 plate to move from an official bike to a satellite one? Enea Bastianini is undoubtedly watching the situation closely.