P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ducati name the only ‘team order’ they demand riders adhere to
Factory Ducati rider and current MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia is leading the standings, while Pramac’s Jorge Martin and Mooney VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi are still in contention for the championship. Last season, Ducati allowed Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini to compete against each other without team orders. Ducati’s sporting director, Ciabatti, clarified that there were discussions about possible scenarios, such as if Bezzecchi had passed Quartararo. However, no team orders were given, and ultimately, Ducati was spared from making a difficult decision. Despite their dominance this year, Ciabatti stated that no team orders will be enforced, but riders are reminded not to take unnecessary risks when racing against their Ducati teammates. The aim is to avoid a repeat of the Iannone-Dovizioso incident in 2016, where both Ducati riders crashed in the last corner and cost Dovizioso his chance to fight for the championship. Ducati’s struggle for the championship ended last year when Bagnaia became the champion, with Bastianini as his strongest competitor.
Source: Crash
