The general manager of Ducati, Gigi Dall’Igna, suggested that the MotoGP factory team will announce their second rider for the 2025 season during the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello. The race at Mugello, which takes place from May 31 to June 2, marks the seventh round of the 2024 championship, making the decision imminent. There are three main contenders for the spot alongside Francesco Bagnaia, who recently extended his contract with the team until the end of 2026. These candidates include current factory rider Enea Bastianini, championship leader Jorge Martin, and eight-time world champion Marc Marquez. Dall’Igna emphasized the importance of fairness to all riders and providing them with opportunities to ride the best possible bike, even if it’s not a Ducati. He believes the deadline for making a decision is reasonable. With many contracts up for renewal at the end of the year, significant movement in the rider market is expected. The spot next to Bagnaia is highly coveted, and Bastianini, Martin, and Marquez are all strong contenders. Bastianini is regaining his form after a challenging season last year, while Martin has expressed his desire to secure the spot or explore other options. Marquez, a legendary figure in the sport, has showcased his skills by challenging Bagnaia for victory in Jerez and currently leads the standings with last year’s GP23 bike, highlighting the improved performance of the 2024 GP24 machine. Dall’Igna acknowledges that the decision is difficult because all three riders have achieved success in the championship. The final choice is yet to be seen.
