Ducati’s Duel: Bagnaia’s Bitter Battle and Martin’s Steadfast Stand in the 2024 MotoGP Championship Race

Ducati's Davide Tardozzi shares insights on the 2024 MotoGP championship contention involving Bagnaia and Martin

Ducati leader Davide Tardozzi has expressed that Francesco Bagnaia's achievement of securing eight grand prix victories in 2024, yet remaining in second place in the MotoGP rankings, feels like "a painful sore."

The contest for this year's global championship is now clearly a duel between Jorge Martin and Bagnaia, with a mere 10-point gap separating the two following last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

Bagnaia clinched victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, marking his eighth win of the season, a milestone previously achieved only by Casey Stoner, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Marc Marquez in recent times.

Currently holding the top position in the championship with three victories, Martin has been in the lead since last month's Aragon race.

Despite being a two-time world champion and having a notable number of victories, Bagnaia's position as the pursuer in the rankings can be attributed entirely to his seven did-not-finish (DNF) results in 2024, in stark contrast to Martin’s four instances of not scoring.

Speaking to GPOne.com, Tardozzi commented on Bagnaia's current standing, noting the irony in the fact that, although Pecco has secured eight victories compared to Jorge's three, he still finds himself trailing by 10 points in the championship.

"The situation remains unresolved, yet I believe Bagnaia is fully aware of its extent and I am confident that he will deliver the results he and the entire team have earned. After all, Pecco understands how important the team is."

With four races remaining, Ducati has secured the constructors' championship and is now certain to clinch the riders' championship for the third consecutive year.

Considering the intense competition for the championship between Martin and Bagnaia, Tardozzi believes that the eventual winner will have truly deserved the title.

"This year, more than any other, the victor of the title will have truly earned it, just as much as the runner-up," he further stated.

Pecco and Martin share a profound respect for each other, recognizing each other's capabilities. Bagnaia is confidently prepared to compete against Jorge in Valencia, a place where Jorge has shown considerable prowess on his local circuit.

"The competition is completely accessible and up for grabs. Either participant has a chance at victory. The one who triumphs will have earned it, and for the one who doesn't, there will be no consolation prize."

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