Former MotoGP star Casey Stoner believes Ducati will play a serious position in figuring out the result of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez’s rivalry subsequent yr.
Marquez, probably the most profitable rider on the present MotoGP grid, will be part of two-time champion Bagnaia at Ducati’s manufacturing unit squad after Sunday’s Barcelona finale, creating an all-star line-up.
There are considerations in regards to the impression Marquez’s signing could have on the concord inside Ducati, and the way the Italian producer manages having two alpha personalities in the identical storage is ready to be a real take a look at of its power.
Bagnaia has spent his total profession on Ducati equipment and is now its most profitable rider in MotoGP historical past, thus making him an especially essential asset to the crew. However Ducati additionally went to nice lengths to safe Marquez’s signature for 2025, displaying how a lot he’s valued by its bosses.
In line with Stoner, each Bagnaia and Marquez will attempt to exert this place inside Ducati subsequent yr, resulting in potential battle inside the crew.
This, he believes, might result in some degree of favouritism, and the Italian producer must resolve who it “needs to guard extra”.
“It should rely upon how Ducati behaves. I believe Pecco is mentally robust sufficient to cope with the scenario, it is going to be a query of who Ducati needs to guard extra,” he advised Gazzetta dello Sport.
“They are going to in all probability each attempt to create chaos within the crew to make issues go in a single route or the opposite. We’ll see how Ducati will cope with the scenario and who they are going to select. They must be as balanced as attainable or it is going to be an issue.”
Marc Marquez, Gresini Racing
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photos
Though Bagnaia is on the verge of dropping the 2024 MotoGP title to Pramac’s Jorge Martin, who holds a 24-point lead going into the ultimate spherical of the season, the Italian’s final tempo this yr has been nothing wanting distinctive.
His victory within the Malaysian GP a fortnight in the past was his tenth triumph of 2024, placing him in an unique membership of riders together with Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Valentino Rossi, Marquez and Stoner to have received 10 or extra grands prix in a single season.
Stoner, who delivered Ducati its first title in 2007, praised Bagnaia for establishing himself as probably the greatest riders of the present technology.
“He deserves it. We’ve got seen what he has accomplished in the previous couple of seasons, Pecco’s progress is fixed,” he mentioned. “Ducati’s outcomes are at all times higher, however in comparison with others, he’s the one who wins greater than anybody else.
“He can’t be underestimated, these are actual victories, not sprints. What he has accomplished this yr is spectacular.”
Ducati’s determination to signal Marquez for the manufacturing unit crew got here at the price of its unique choice Martin, who has since determined to depart the producer in favour of a transfer to Aprilia.
Public opinion has been break up on the matter, with some criticising Ducati for not rewarding Martin after what he has achieved with Pramac, and others admitting that Marquez wields an excessive amount of star energy for the Italian marque to look wherever else.
Requested for his views on what was the largest rider market information of 2024: Stoner mentioned: “In some ways, I perceive the choice, however that does not imply it is proper.
“When you could have riders who give their all and stand out from the 22 riders on the observe, and one comes alongside to take your home, I do not suppose it is proper. I believe Marc might have had a manufacturing unit bike with one other crew, I do not suppose it is proper that they selected him over Martin.”