MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has strongly criticized Ducati’s decision to sign Marc Marquez for its factory team in 2025, questioning the rationale behind the move.
Key Points:
- Rossi’s Criticism: Rossi, a seven-time premier class champion, believes Ducati should have given the opportunity to a rider from its existing talent pool rather than pursuing Marquez. He expressed his concerns in an interview with L’Équipe, stating that Ducati’s decision undermines its previously established development system.
- Ducati’s Decision: Initially, Ducati planned to replace Enea Bastianini with Jorge Martin. However, Marquez’s reluctance to join the Pramac team led Ducati to change course and sign the six-time champion instead. Martin subsequently moved to Aprilia, and Pramac ended its partnership with Ducati in favor of joining forces with Yamaha.
- Impact on Ducati’s Talent Pool: Rossi pointed out that Ducati had an effective development system, with riders like Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Marco Bezzecchi waiting for their chance. By signing Marquez, Rossi argues that Ducati has disrupted this system and betrayed its own riders.
- Marquez and Bagnaia’s Pairing: Rossi acknowledges that Bagnaia, who will be Ducati’s main rider, is well-prepared to face Marquez. Despite Bagnaia’s success and his solidified position as Ducati’s top rider, Rossi believes he did not need Marquez’s presence to prove his capabilities.
- Rossi’s Relationship with Ducati: Rossi maintains a close relationship with Ducati through his VR46 team, which is set to be promoted to factory-supported status in 2025. His team will receive a GP25 bike as part of this deal.
Rossi’s comments add to the ongoing debate about Ducati’s strategy and the implications of Marquez’s signing on the team’s dynamics and talent development.
