According to rumors circulating in the MotoGP paddock, it is becoming increasingly likely that there will be a reduction in the number of Ducati bikes on the 2025 grid. Pramac, Ducati’s long-standing satellite partner and the reigning teams’ champion, is reportedly considering a switch to Yamaha. This potential move would have significant implications for Ducati, as Pramac currently receives the latest works machinery and holds the top position in Ducati’s customer hierarchy. While this could streamline Ducati’s offering to its remaining satellite teams, it would also pose challenges in terms of allocating riders to the reduced number of grid slots.
At present, there is no official confirmation that Pramac will sever ties with Ducati, but where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. Yamaha, on the other hand, has set its sights on luring Pramac away from Ducati, as their other target, VR46, appears inclined to extend its partnership with its current bike supplier. Dorna, the series promoter, would view a switch favorably, as they desire all manufacturers to have satellite teams. However, this would complicate matters for Ducati manager Gigi Dall’Igna, who would need to determine rider allocations and which teams receive factory bikes in 2025.
Currently, Pramac is Ducati’s premier satellite team, enjoying the benefits of receiving the latest generation of bikes and having two riders directly contracted to the factory. One of these riders, Jorge Martin, has proven himself as a title contender and currently leads the championship race. Lower down the pecking order, VR46 and Gresini Racing make do with older machinery and riders who are not directly contracted to Ducati. VR46 has been vocal about their desire for a works-spec bike for Marco Bezzecchi, but Ducati is hesitant to have five factory-spec entries, based on their previous experience in 2022. Pramac, if they choose to stay, is entitled to a full works-spec lineup, which means VR46 and Gresini’s chances of obtaining an upgraded bike depend on Pramac’s decision.
One thing is clear for Pramac: their star rider, Jorge Martin, will not be with them next year. Martin has expressed his desire to remain with Ducati but only in factory colors. With potential offers from Aprilia and other manufacturers, it is unlikely that he will stay at Pramac even if they remain a Ducati partner. This simplifies matters for Ducati, as Martin’s departure opens up a spot for another rider, potentially Enea Bastianini, who could move to the top of Aprilia’s list.
The future is less certain for Pramac’s second rider, Franco Morbidelli. As a close friend of Valentino Rossi and a member of his VR46 Academy, there is a possibility that he could find a place at the VR46 team. If Pramac vacates its GP25s, VR46 may be enticed to keep Bezzecchi by offering him one of the bikes. Similarly, Gresini Racing may retain Marc Marquez if they can provide him with factory-spec machinery, as he has quickly adapted to the team. A GP25 without major changes to his surroundings could convince Marquez to stay.
Overall, a Ducati satellite lineup with Bezzecchi and Marquez leading VR46 and Gresini, respectively, on the latest bike model, supporting Bagnaia-Martin or Bagnaia-Bastianini, would not be detrimental to Ducati. It could even compensate for the loss of their longstanding partnership with Pramac. However, there is another rider in the conversation for a works Ducati contract – Fermin Aldeguer. Ducati has signed Aldeguer for MotoGP from 2025 onwards but has not announced a team for him yet. If Pramac departs, Ducati will need to consider alternative options for placing the highly-rated 19-year-old Spaniard. The spec of bike Aldeguer will have is also uncertain, as it depends on his contract and preferences.
There are several potential teams for Aldeguer, including VR46, who showed interest in him last year, and Gresini, who may replace Alex Marquez. However, bringing Aldeguer to Gresini could complicate matters if Marc Marquez wishes to stay with the team. Ducati could solve this dilemma by offering Marc Marquez a spot alongside Bagnaia in the works team, but this would likely mean losing both Martin and Bastianini.