MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has lashed out at Ducati for signing Marc Marquez to its manufacturing unit MotoGP crew in 2025, saying the implications of the choice are immense.
The seven-time premier class champion believes Ducati ought to have given a possibility to a rider from its present pool of expertise to associate Francesco Bagnaia subsequent season as a substitute of going after Gresini rider Marquez.
The Italian producer did initially choose Jorge Martin to switch Enea Bastianini in its line-up, however Marquez’s reluctance to hitch Pramac subsequent yr compelled it to make a U-turn on its unique selection and hand the seat to the six-time champion as a substitute.
Martin then made a courageous determination to go away Ducati’s steady altogether and transfer to Aprilia, whereas Pramac additionally ended its relationship with the Borgo Panigale marque to hitch forces with Yamaha.
Talking on this matter for the primary time, Rossi, who had a tumultuous relationship with Marquez throughout their time collectively in MotoGP, criticised Ducati for prioritising the celebrity and former success of the Spaniard when it might have opted for a rider from its personal fold.
“I did not fairly perceive it,” he informed L’Équipe. “Ducati had an attention-grabbing system in place, with a pyramid that allowed younger riders to progress.
“So Pecco was introduced on board, and each Martin and Marco Bezzecchi had been additionally ready for him. And out of the blue Ducati determined to deliver Marc in.
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Staff, Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Manufacturing facility Racing
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Pictures
“It is regular that [the riders] really feel betrayed. From one second to the subsequent they now not rely, so I am not shocked that they think about the selection of Marquez to be a joke.
“The consequence of that [the signing of Marquez] is the breaking of the alliance with Pramac.”
Ducati’s protege Bagnaia might be pitted immediately towards Marquez subsequent yr, and lots of assume it will likely be a serious take a look at for the Italian, who has now solidified his place as essentially the most profitable rider within the producer’s historical past.
However Rossi, who is aware of Bagnaia effectively from the time the latter raced for his VR46 crew in Moto2, thinks the 27-year-old is ready to have such a powerful rider as his team-mate in 2025.
“Pecco is prepared. He’s making a distinction and has managed to lift the bar,” Rossi mentioned. “He is a two-time [MotoGP] world champion and he is preventing for a 3rd title, however for my part he did not want Marc within the field to show he is primary.”
Rossi maintains an in depth relationship with Ducati, with VR46 getting promoted to factory-supported standing in 2025 and getting one GP25 bike as a part of its deal.
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