The 2024 MotoGP season has yet to begin, but one thing is already certain for the future: Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning world champion, has committed to two more seasons with the dominant factory Ducati team. This ensures that he will remain a key figure in the team until at least the end of the 2026 season.
However, the question of who will be Bagnaia’s teammate is still up in the air. Ducati has several contenders within its ranks, but the team is in no hurry to make a decision. They want to see how things play out once the season starts in the coming weeks.
For veteran team boss Gigi Dall’Igna, choosing whether to keep Enea Bastianini or look elsewhere within the Ducati stable is not an easy decision. There are pros and cons to each option, and Dall’Igna will have to weigh them carefully.
Here are our thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of each realistic contender:
Contender 1: Current factory Ducati teammate of Bagnaia
Pros: Ducati is familiar with Bastianini due to his current role within the team, and he has won five grand prix races. Despite a disappointing debut season last year, he ended on a high note with a victory. With a strong testing program, he aims to start this season on a positive note.
Cons: There are still doubts about Bastianini’s form, and he needs to prove that he can be consistent in 2022. Last year was a struggle for him, and he needs to fight for podiums from the beginning to impress the Ducati bosses. There is also concern about how he will adapt to the sprint weekend format.
Contender 2: Current Pramac Ducati rider
Pros: Jorge Martin showed incredible speed in 2023 and was a strong contender for the title. He deserved a factory seat this year, but he retained his spot in the satellite Pramac team. He is the fastest non-factory Ducati rider and just needs to maintain his form.
Cons: Martin made several mistakes on and off the track last year, which ultimately cost him the championship. He may have some personal issues to address, and his ego could affect negotiations.
Contender 3: Current Gresini Ducati rider
Pros: This contender is none other than Marc Marquez, a legendary rider with a massive reputation. Commercially, having Marquez on the Ducati would be a dream for the team’s sponsors. If he is fully fit, he will undoubtedly be fast once he adapts to the bike.
Cons: Marquez is currently an unknown quantity due to his lingering arm injury. It will take a few races to determine his true level in a post-Honda world. While a lineup with nine MotoGP titles between them looks impressive, there may be harmony issues.
Contender 4: VR46 Ducati rider
Pros: Bezzecchi would bring the benefit of being a support act to his best friend and fellow Valentino Rossi protege Bagnaia. He would likely be Bagnaia’s first choice as a teammate, and if it leads to a factory ride, it would be a great opportunity for him.
Cons: Bezzecchi showed speed in 2023 but lacked consistency. He had many crashes and weekends where he didn’t perform well. He needs to find consistency and perform at the same level every weekend.
Overall, Ducati has several strong contenders for the second rider position, each with their own pros and cons. It will be interesting to see who ultimately gets the opportunity to ride alongside Bagnaia in the 2024 MotoGP season.