Ducati informed George Martin that he would not accept a factory seat following last season’s Italian Grand Prix. Instead, his place alongside Francesco Bagnaia went to Marc Marquez.
Luigi Dall’Igna and Ducati They struggled with their problems. Martin He was fighting for the world championship – and finally won – but Marquez He claimed six titles in seven seasons between 2013 and 2019.
Martin suffered an untimely DNF in the sprint at Mugello when he lost control of his bike while trying to catch up with Marquez. He finished one place ahead of his compatriot in the Grand Prix, but was beaten by Enya Bastianini at the end of the race.
Perhaps that unconvincing performance in the spotlight played a role in Ducati’s decision. But the group says that everything is taken into account.
Despite his success at Pramac, Martin decided not to accept another season at the satellite team. He had offers from KTM and. ApriliaChoosing to join the latter.
Together with Marco Bezecchi, he creates a completely new line-up at Noale’s clothing. Maverick Vinales has made a surprising move to Tech3, while Alex EspargaroHe played a mentoring role to Martin, now semi-retired as a Honda test rider.
Jorge Martin ‘wasn’t that sad,’ says Aleix Espargaro after Ducati denied him a seat.
Speaking of MotoGP’sThere can only be oneDocumentary, Espargaro recounts the hours after Ducati’s Mugello decision. Martin’s manager, Albert Valera, appeared to be in tears.
But the rider himself was more accomplished. Although he had very little time to process the rejection, he handled it admirably.
Ducati decided to leave the stable as Martin felt undervalued. And Espargaro has assured the Bologna team that he can beat rival machines.
“I saw Albert crying after the Mugello race,” Espargaro said. He told me that they had decided to go to Mark.
“It was a shock. George came to my motor home at eight o’clock, and left at midnight. We spent four hours thinking, watching movies, talking.
“He felt he wasn’t as good as he thought he was for Ducati. George wasn’t that angry or sad.
“He said, ‘This is life, they decided.’
Marc Marquez pays tribute to Jorge Martin in conversation with Carlos Sainz.
Espargaro’s comments echo Valera’s message. he said. Martin showed complete ‘calmness’ Although he lost the seat he wanted.
Ducati is not expected to compete this season, having finished 531 points behind the Aprilia in 2024. As the reigning champion and former rider, Marquez and Bagnaia may find it difficult to escape if they run away from the rest of the pack.
But the success of the decision should be judged only in the long term. Apria knows that acquiring one of the top talents on the grid presents an opportunity, and they will definitely invest heavily to take it.
At the same time, the loss weakens Ducati. Speaking to F1 driver Carlos Sainz at Jerez last year, Marquez appreciated Martin’s movement in a slow cornerHe was impressed with the information.
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