P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Jorge Lorenzo claims that opinion was split on whether to sign Marc Marquez in the corridors of power at Ducati.
Marquez, the reigning MotoGP champion, will leave Repsol Honda and join Gresini Ducati for the 2024 season, marking a significant and highly anticipated switch in the sport. Gresini is an independent team, and this move has created an intriguing dynamic with the bosses at Ducati. Some executives within Ducati were hesitant about Marquez’s arrival, while others, like Gigi Dall’Igna, who always seek the fastest riders, welcomed him. The concern of losing Marquez after just one year and him taking his acquired knowledge elsewhere is one aspect that worries them, as well as the possibility of him outperforming their current riders, Bagnaia and Martin, in races next year. Marquez has signed a one-year deal, making him a free agent for 2025, leaving the door open for him to explore new opportunities or potentially stay and continue learning the intricacies of the Desmosedici. Lorenzo, who had previously ridden for Ducati, praised Dall’Igna’s technological expertise and acknowledged his contribution to Ducati’s success in MotoGP, particularly in terms of developing a more complete and rider-friendly bike.
