Jorge Martin's Supporter Acknowledges Ducati's Decision to Choose Marc Marquez as "Reasonable"

Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin, source : Motorsport

Jorge Martin’s camp has acknowledged that Ducati’s choice to sign Marc Marquez over him is “understandable,” despite the disappointment the decision caused. Martin, who ultimately claimed the MotoGP championship last season, was passed over by the factory Ducati team in favor of Marquez. As a result, Martin will now ride for Aprilia, while Marquez joins Ducati’s premier team for the 2025 season.

Pramac Racing’s sporting director, Fonsi Nieto, shed light on the emotional toll of Ducati’s decision on Martin. Speaking to Europa Press, Nieto explained, “It was a tough moment for him. I always say Jorge has faced three major challenges in his MotoGP career: the crash in Portugal, which left him severely injured and even contemplating retirement; Ducati’s decision to select Enea Bastianini over him; and finally, the choice of Marc Marquez. These were some of the hardest moments for him, but he managed to overcome them and turn those setbacks into motivation, which isn’t always easy.”

Nieto elaborated on the reasoning behind Ducati’s decision, acknowledging the position they were in. “Ducati is currently enjoying a golden era, and they’re determined to continue winning. Letting go of a rider like Jorge, who is a world champion, was not an easy call. However, we’re talking about Marc Marquez—an eight-time world champion and one of the greatest riders in history. It’s understandable why they chose him. Marc has an unmatched legacy and remains a contender for the championship every single season. Whenever Marc steps onto the track, he’s a title favorite.”

Nieto also expressed optimism about the competitive dynamics in the upcoming season. “With Marquez and Bagnaia riding for Ducati, it’s going to be a fierce battle. Both are phenomenal talents. I hope Jorge will also be in the mix and fighting for victories.”

Reflecting on the previous season, Nieto lauded Martin’s ability to overcome the odds and defeat Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning champion and Ducati’s top factory rider, while riding for an independent team. “What Jorge achieved last year was incredible,” Nieto stated. “To go head-to-head with a powerhouse like Ducati and emerge victorious was nothing short of spectacular. It’s even more remarkable that he did it as part of a satellite team, without the same resources and support that the factory team has. At Ducati, they have an army of people working to deliver results. But we were better. We were more united and believed in our ability to win the championship right from the start of winter training.”

Martin’s 2024 title win with Pramac Racing remains one of the standout achievements in recent MotoGP history. Despite not having the advantage of factory equipment or support, Martin demonstrated resilience, determination, and raw talent to topple the dominant Ducati team. With his move to Aprilia for the 2025 season, the MotoGP paddock is now anticipating how Martin, Marquez, and Bagnaia will stack up against each other as the competition heats up.

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