Davide Tardozzi, the team boss of the Ducati MotoGP team, has confirmed rumors that last year’s standout performer in the middleweight class is a top target for the factory team. With 18 out of the 22 riders on the premier-class grid set to see their contracts expire at the end of the 2024 season, the competition among factory teams to secure signatures is expected to be intense. Ducati, with its eight bikes, is likely to be at the center of this frenzy.
It comes as no surprise that Aldeguer is on Ducati’s radar, given his impressive performances in the 2023 Moto2 season. The 18-year-old secured four consecutive victories towards the end of the season, making him a standout candidate. His success has even led to speculation that he could make his MotoGP debut as early as 2024, potentially replacing Luca Marini at VR46. However, Aldeguer is currently under contract with his Moto2 employer, Luca Boscoscuro, for 2024, and breaking the contract proved to be too costly for VR46.
Meanwhile, Ducati has reportedly approached Aldeguer with the possibility of joining their satellite team, Pramac, in 2025. This would also entail a direct contract with the factory. However, Tardozzi acknowledges that Ducati is not the only manufacturer vying for Aldeguer’s signature. While Ducati is well-positioned to make a competitive offer, the final decision ultimately rests with the young rider. With one full season remaining, it is unlikely that Aldeguer will make a decision before the first race.
On a different note, negotiations for a contract extension with reigning double world champion Pecco Bagnaia are progressing well. Tardozzi states that both parties are eager to continue their partnership, and discussions are ongoing. There have been suggestions that Ducati may announce Bagnaia’s new deal for 2025 and beyond before the start of the 2024 season, but Tardozzi emphasizes that there is no rush to finalize the agreement.
In contrast, the future of Bagnaia’s teammate, Enea Bastianini, remains uncertain. After an injury-plagued first season with Ducati, Bastianini aims to start the 2024 season strongly. However, with Jorge Martin, the 2023 championship runner-up, and six-time champion Marc Marquez also part of Ducati’s 2024 lineup, the team is in no hurry to make a decision about Bastianini’s future. Tardozzi suggests that the team will wait and see how the opening races unfold before making any decisions.
Overall, Ducati is facing an eventful silly season in MotoGP, with numerous contracts up for renewal. The team is carefully considering its options and will take its time to make the right decisions for the future.
According to the Source the-race.com