Francesco Bagnaia’s ‘Open Wound’: Ducati Boss Tardozzi on the Intense 2024 MotoGP Title Battle with Jorge Martin

Why the 2024 MotoGP Championship is a “Sensitive Issue” for Francesco Bagnaia

Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi discusses the title race between Bagnaia and Martin for the upcoming season.

Ducati's team manager, Davide Tardozzi, described the situation where Francesco Bagnaia has secured victory in eight grand prix races in 2024 yet remains in second place in the MotoGP championship as being akin to "an open wound."

The competition for this year's world championship has narrowed down to a face-off between Jorge Martin and Bagnaia. Following the Japanese Grand Prix last weekend, only a slim margin of 10 points separates the two contenders.

Bagnaia clinched victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, marking his eighth race win this season. This impressive achievement has only been equaled in the modern era by Casey Stoner, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Marc Marquez.

With a trio of victories, Martin has been at the forefront of the championship standings since the Aragon race last month.

Despite his remarkable number of victories, double world champion Bagnaia finds himself trailing in the standings, which can be entirely attributed to his seven DNFs (Did Not Finish) in 2024, as opposed to Martin, who has only four instances where he hasn't scored.

During a conversation with GPOne.com, Tardozzi remarked on Bagnaia's circumstances: "It's ironic that Pecco has secured victory in eight races, whereas Jorge has only triumphed in three, yet Pecco still finds himself trailing by 10 points in the championship standings."

"This situation is painful, but I believe Bagnaia understands it deeply. I'm confident that he will deliver the success that both he and the entire team have earned. Ultimately, Pecco recognizes the team's worth."

With four races remaining, Ducati has already secured the constructors' championship and is now assured of claiming the riders' title for the third consecutive year.

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

"This year, the champion will truly earn their victory, and the runner-up will be equally deserving," he commented.

Pecco and Martin have a deep mutual respect for each other, as each rider is aware of their own abilities. Bagnaia has no hesitation in competing against Jorge in Valencia, a venue where Jorge performs exceptionally well on his familiar home circuit.

"The competition is completely open, and either participant has a chance to come out on top. The victory will be well-earned for the winner, and the runner-up will not be second-rate."

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