P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ducati gave up the reigning MotoGP world champion – and the Pramac team behind that success – as part of its (ultimately failed) bid to get Marc Marquez on a 2025 bike
Ahead of the 2025 MotoGP season, Ducati made significant sacrifices to secure Marc Marquez’s signature and provide him with the latest spec GP25 machine. The decision to start the season with a year-old bike raises the question of whether the price paid was worth it. Despite efforts to have Marquez on a 2025 bike after struggling with the previous model, the team faced challenges adapting to the new Michelin rear tire, affecting performance. The ultimate goal was to equip Marquez with the best machinery to compete for a seventh title, leading to his move to the factory team. However, Ducati’s decision led to Jorge Martin seeking opportunities elsewhere, ultimately joining Aprilia and causing a PR setback for Ducati. Marquez, now with the new machinery he desired, will start the season with the year-old bike, alongside Pecco Bagnaia, rather than Dall’Igna’s latest 2025 model.
