Moto GP
Ducati’s Strategic Maneuver: Navigating Marquez’s Declination and Pramac’s Future Amid MotoGP Season Turmoil
Ducati Unprepared Yet Unfazed by Marc Marquez, Pramac Announcement
Ducati's Mauro Grassilli: "We were expecting [Marc Marquez's] remarks and have acknowledged them"
Mauro Grassilli, the Sporting Director for Ducati Corse, expressed that the team was 'unprepared' yet 'not taken aback' by Marc Marquez openly declining the opportunity to switch to Pramac Ducati for the 2025 MotoGP season.
Speculation ahead of the Italian Grand Prix hints that Pramac's leading contender, Jorge Martin, has emerged victorious in securing the position as Francesco Bagnaia’s upcoming partner. Additionally, it's suggested that Marquez is set to be upgraded to factory equipment within Pramac…
However, the eight-time global titleholder, currently competing on a 2023 model with Gresini, has different plans, asserting: "Joining Pramac does not align with my interests."
"At this critical juncture in the season, every competitor is crafting the optimal plan for their own advancement and long-term prospects. Consequently, [Marc's] remarks were anticipated, and we have duly acknowledged them," Grassilli conveyed to SkySport.it.
"Pramac stands as a powerful squad, operating with an official motorcycle, under the expert guidance of seasoned professionals."
Grassilli stated, "We weren't prepared for Marquez's statements, but then again, we're often unprepared for numerous other remarks: it's impossible for us to always be aware of the comments made by riders, who are unique and highly intelligent individuals and have to express their feelings in the moment."
On Thursday, Marquez made it clear that his preferences for Ducati are limited to joining the official team or remaining with Gresini, provided he has access to a factory bike.
Marquez faces a challenge as it appears Pramac is likely to reject Yamaha's offers and opt to continue its partnership with Ducati into 2025. This decision would maintain its current access to factory-level equipment, which might have been made available to Gresini and possibly VR46 had Pramac chosen otherwise.
"Grassilli anticipates that Paolo Campinoti and Pramac will continue to be part of our team for a minimum of two more years."
The exact level of exclusivity in the agreement between Pramac and the Ducati factory is still uncertain.
Should Marquez be outperformed by Martin in the primary squad and fail to secure a factory motorcycle with Gresini, rumors hint at a possible move to KTM.
Grassilli remained open to the possibility of a compromise should an agreement between Marquez and Pramac not materialize.
"Indeed, the possibility of [Marc Marquez] moving to Pramac was among the various scenarios [we've looked into], but it wasn't the sole option. We are currently reviewing numerous other theories."
Ducati has officially dismissed the idea of revealing Bagnaia's teammate for 2025 during the Mugello race weekend.
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