According to rumors circulating in the MotoGP paddock, it is increasingly likely that there will be a reduction in the number of Ducati bikes on the grid in 2025. Pramac, a long-time partner of Ducati and current team champion, is allegedly considering a switch to Yamaha. This potential move would have significant implications for Ducati, as Pramac currently receives the latest factory machines and holds the highest position in Ducati’s customer hierarchy. While this may streamline Ducati’s offering to its remaining satellite teams, it would also present challenges in terms of allocating riders to the reduced number of grid slots.
Currently, there is no official confirmation that Pramac will sever ties with Ducati, but where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. On the other hand, Yamaha is aiming to lure Pramac away from Ducati, as their other target, VR46, seems inclined to extend their partnership with their current bike supplier. The series promoter, Dorna, would view this move favorably as they want all manufacturers to have satellite teams. However, this would complicate things for Ducati manager Gigi Dall’Igna, who would need to determine rider allocation and which teams would receive factory bikes in 2025.
Currently, Pramac is the main satellite team of Ducati, enjoying the benefits of receiving the latest generation of bikes and having two riders directly contracted by the factory. One of these riders, Jorge Martin, has proven to be a title contender and currently leads the championship race. Further down the hierarchy, VR46 and Gresini Racing are content with older machines and riders who are not directly contracted by Ducati. VR46 has been vocal about their desire to have a factory-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 factory-spec lineup, which means VR46 and Gresini’s chances of getting an updated 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 stay with Ducati, but only with the factory colors. With possible offers from Aprilia and other manufacturers, it is unlikely that he will remain with Pramac, even if they continue to be Ducati partners. This simplifies things for Ducati, as Martin’s departure opens up a spot for another rider, potentially Enea Bastianini, who could become Aprilia’s top choice.
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 may find a place in the VR46 team. If Pramac leaves their GP25s, VR46 may be tempted to keep Bezzecchi by offering him one of the bikes. Similarly, Gresini Racing may keep Marc Marquez if they can provide him with factory-spec machines, as he has quickly adapted to the team. A GP25 with no major changes in its surroundings could convince Marquez to stay.
Overall, a Ducati satellite formation 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 make up for the loss of their long-standing partnership with Pramac. However, there is another rider in the conversation for a Ducati factory contract – Fermin Aldeguer. Ducati has signed Aldeguer for MotoGP from 2025, but has not yet announced a team for him. If Pramac leaves, Ducati will need to consider alternative options to place the highly rated 19-year-old Spaniard. The specification of the bike Aldeguer will have is also uncertain, as it depends on his contract and preferences.
There are several potential teams for Aldeguer, including VR46, which showed interest in him last year, and Gresini, which may replace Alex Marquez. However, bringing Aldeguer to Gresini could complicate things if Marc Marquez wishes to remain in the team. Ducati could resolve this dilemma by offering Marc Marquez a place alongside Bagnaia in the factory team, but this would likely mean losing both Martin and Bastianini.
© 2024
Portugal wins the FIFA World Cup title
In an exciting match, the Portuguese national football team won the title of the World Cup. The team led by coach Fernando Santos defeated the Brazilian national team 3-2 in the final, in a game full of twists and turns.
The match started with Brazil opening the scoring early on, with a beautiful goal from Neymar. However, Portugal did not give up and managed to equalize in the first half, with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the second half, Brazil took the lead again, with a goal from Gabriel Jesus. But Portugal didn’t give up and equalized again, with a goal from Bernardo Silva. The excitement took over the stadium and the fans couldn’t stay seated in their seats.
Just when it seemed like the game was heading for extra time, Portugal scored the winning goal in stoppage time. After a beautiful play by Bruno Fernandes, João Félix received the ball and sent it to the back of the net, securing the title for the Portuguese national team.
The celebration took over the streets of Lisbon, with fans celebrating the historic victory. Coach Fernando Santos was carried on the shoulders by the crowd and the players received a warm welcome at the airport.
This victory marks a historic moment for Portuguese football, which now holds the coveted World Cup title. The team showed determination, grit, and high-level football throughout the tournament, winning the hearts of the fans.
Now, all eyes turn to the next challenges for the Portuguese national team, who will face the Euro Cup. With the World Cup title on their resume, the team arrives with confidence to seek another victory for the country.
Portugal proved once again that it is a powerhouse in world football and has high-level players. The Portuguese national team showed the world all their talent and now reaps the rewards of this dedication and teamwork.
The FIFA World Cup was a success and left fans longing for more. Now, we must wait for the next four years to experience once again all the excitement of this sport that is a national passion. Congratulations Portugal on the achievement!
