ITALY: Ducati’s plans for the 2024 MotoGP season might be in for a major overhaul, with Jorge Martin from satellite team Pramac Racing emerging as a potential contender for a factory team seat.
If this transition were to occur, it would signal the departure of Enea Bastianini, who, despite high hopes, has struggled to meet expectations due to a series of unfortunate injuries.
Bastianini’s 2022 campaign got off to a rocky start when he fractured his collarbone in a season opener crash in Portugal, sidelining him for five races.
His return to the Italian GP was short-lived, as another crash in Barcelona led to further injuries, forcing him to miss subsequent races. Currently, Bastianini stands in 19th place in the overall standings, the last of the eight riders competing on a Ducati.
While Ducati’s leadership had previously affirmed Bastianini’s place for 2024, recent reports suggest a potential shift in their stance. The Spanish newspaper AS proposed the idea of Martin joining the factory team as early as 2024, especially if he secures the championship riding for Pramac.
While Martin’s contract allows for flexibility at the end of 2024, sources indicate that neither he nor his team will pressure Ducati to secure Bastianini’s spot. Martin’s agent, Albert Valera, expressed Martin’s intention to aim for a factory team seat in 2025 and 2026.
The outcome of the championship race is expected to play a pivotal role in this potential reshuffling. Should Martin clinch the title, it may be challenging for Ducati to resist promoting the new champion to the factory team.
However, if Martin remains at Pramac, his threat from outside the factory team could parallel Marc Marquez’s move to Gresini.
The situation poses a complex dilemma for Ducati, as any decision would have significant implications for all parties involved. As the season unfolds, MotoGP enthusiasts eagerly await further developments in this intriguing storyline.
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