Ducati has claimed that two-time reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia did not try to influence Ducati’s decision to choose his 2025 teammate.
After competing on track for much of the season, Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez competed off track for the second factory Ducati seat alongside Bagnaia.
Heading into Mugello, it appeared like Martin had been chosen to partner Bagnaia.
However, after thinking that they might lose Marquez to another manufacturer, Ducati changed their mind and decided to sign the eight-time world champion.
Bagnaia, who had previously revealed that he wanted current teammate Enea Bastianini to stay, had no impact on Ducati, according to Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’igna.
The reception from Pecco was fantastic,” Dall’Igna told MotoGP.com. “He is a professional rider and a champion, and he understands that we want the best opportunities to compete for the world championship.
“In the past, he would have preferred to have Enea as a teammate due to their friendship, but in the end, he is a professional rider who understands our decision. He did not press us in any direction.”
In 2025, Ducati will boast one of the strongest MotoGP lineups of all time, with unquestionably the most gifted rider tandem.
Marquez and Bagnaia have previously demonstrated their willingness to be fierce and violent when competing against one another.
Which poses the question: can they collaborate as teammates?
Dall’Igna feels they can, stating, “We must be good enough to accomplish so. It won’t be simple, but I know my team and the people that work for me.
“Working together like we have done in the past, we can do this.”
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