Ducati accused of ditching crucial strategy – “I wouldn’t have done it…”
Ducati, one of MotoGP’s most iconic teams, was recently accused of abandoning the strategy that turned Pecco Bagnaia into a world champion. The arrival of Marc Márquez in the factory team next season represents a clear change of direction, moving away from the development of young talents like Bagnaia to betting on already established names.
Ducati’s New Management
Carlo Pernat, manager of Enea Bastianini, who will be replaced by Márquez, openly criticized the change in strategy of Ducati leaders, including Gigi Dall’Igna. In an interview with Motosprint, Pernat said: “Everyone has the right to do what they want at home, obviously, given that there are strategies that we may not know completely. However, the youth policy, carried out since post-Dovizioso, has been disavowed, and this has so far borne fruit.”
Pernat stressed that the abrupt change in strategy, sidelining promising young talents like Bastianini and Jorge Martin to bring in a 31-year-old veteran, was a controversial decision. “They let go of two drivers aged 26 and 27 (Bastianini and Martin) to hire a 31-year-old, who, however, is called Marc Márquez,” Pernat said. “I wouldn’t have done it, given that the strategy used recently worked.”
Recruitment History
Ducati has already had negative experiences with high-profile hires such as Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi. After these failed attempts, the team adopted a strategy of developing young talent, culminating in the end of a 15-year titleless period when Bagnaia won the championship in 2022. Bagnaia has the opportunity this year to win his third consecutive title, competing against other Ducati riders.
Although the decision to hire Márquez could be seen as a unique opportunity, the change in leadership raises questions about the effectiveness of this new approach. “We are now aiming to have two big names together, and that is good,” admitted Pernat. However, the move is causing debate over whether Ducati is taking too many risks by abandoning a proven strategy.
The Future of Ducati and Márquez
With the arrival of Márquez, Ducati hopes to raise its competitive level, leveraging the experience and skills of one of MotoGP’s greatest riders. Márquez will join Bagnaia on the official team, both benefiting from updated equipment and significant improvements.
This change in strategy is a bold move that could redefine the team’s future. If successful, the combination of Márquez and Bagnaia could usher in an era of dominance for Ducati. However, in the event of failure, the decision to abandon young talent in favor of a veteran could be seen as a significant strategic error.
The controversy surrounding Ducati’s new management highlights the challenges and complex decisions facing MotoGP teams. With the current season still underway, Ducati remains focused on current competitions while preparing for an uncertain future full of expectations and challenges. The decision to hire Márquez will be tested on the tracks, and only time will tell if this change will bring the desired results to the team.
