Ducati General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna has hinted that the factory MotoGP outfit will decide on its second rider for 2025 at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello.
Mugello plays host to Round 7 of the 2024 campaign, commencing from May 31 through June 02, making a decision imminent.
There are three clear candidates to sit alongside Francesco Bagnaia, who signed a contract extension earlier this year to remain with the team until the end of 2026.
The candidates are current factory rider Enea Bastianini, championship leader Jorge Martin and eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez.
“Yes. We have to be fair with all the riders,” Dall’Igna said of the Mugello decision ahead of the French Grand Prix at Le Mans.
“We have to give them the possibilities to find a way to ride the best possible bike, if it’s not a Ducati.
“So I think this timeframe is reasonable.”
With the majority of the grid up for renewal at the end of the year, plenty of movement is expected in the rider market and the seat alongside Bagnaia is of course the most desirable.
Bastianini looks to be finding his form again after an injury-plagued season last year, whilst Martin, who rides a factory spec bike at Pramac, has indicated he wants the seat alongside Bagnaia or he moves on to a new marque.
Marquez meanwhile, is an undeniable legend of the sport and his challenge for victory with Bagnaia at Jerez underlines his credentials.
The Spaniard is also the leading rider in the standings aboard last year’s GP23 machine, with the 2024 GP24 bike a clear step up in performance.
Understandably, Dall’Igna has a massive decision on his hands.
“It’s a really difficult decision,” Dall’Igna said.
“Honestly speaking we must not only consider the 2024 races.
“We have to consider all the history of our riders. I think this is important.
“It’s a really difficult decision because all three riders are champions.
“We will see….”
