Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia could have been a four-time MotoGP champion by now if everything had gone his way since 2021.
Jorge Martin delivered far more consistency and fewer mistakes in 2024, which is a big reason why he claimed the title despite having three wins to Bagnaia’s 11.
The Ducati bike is in a great place and should give Bagnaia the chance to compete over the next two campaigns at least before the new regulations in 2027.
Having a new teammate in the form of six-time champion Marc Marquez will be a great challenge for 2025 and could provide him with an opportunity to learn from the Spaniard.
He has a wealth of experience and knows how to win a championship. Based on last year, the winner may be the rider who makes the fewest mistakes.
Francesco Bagnaia labels Jorge Martin ‘more aggressive’ in MotoGP approach
Roberto Rolfo believes Marquez is more error-prone than Bagnaia but the Spanish rider is still readjusting to life at the front of the pack after a few down years.
Ducati snubbed Martin for 2025 in favour of Marquez, leaving the 26-year-old to take up a position with Aprilia Racing.
READ MORE: Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia’s life outside of MotoGP from net worth to race number
Speaking about his championship rival after his move from Ducati, Baganaia told Sportklub that he is far more aggressive in his approach to MotoGP.
“Jorge is completely different to me in terms of approach – he is much more aggressive,” he said. “When I’m on the track, I’m the same, I want to win just as much, but I try to analyze everything better compared to previous years.
“I’m always guided by the fact that if you start thinking about risk, you slow down a bit. It’s true that I crashed when I was leading, it’s true that I crashed when I was in a good position, but I always think more about winning.
“I always think more about getting a good result, the best result I can get at that moment. Sometimes it rubs you the wrong way, but I find it’s better for me. I want to continue in that direction.”
Why Jorge Martin wasn’t Ducati’s biggest MotoGP loss in 2024
Ducati consciously opted against promoting Martin to their ranks despite his impressive performances throughout the two years prior.
He has scored the second most points (936) over the last two seasons, which is 426 more points than third place over that same period – Brad Binder (510).
READ MORE: Aleix Espargaro fears Aprilia missed out on the ‘ideal’ MotoGP teammate for Jorge Martin
Marco Melandri says Ducati’s biggest loss wasn’t Martin though, pointing out Pramac’s defection to Yamaha.
They’ve trained a lot of their great riders and now they lose a great tool in their mission of finding MotoGP talent.
There’s also the idea that they have to fight against them on track now too which may become a trickier task after the end of their alliance.
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