Ducati is reportedly shifting its focus to young riders and downplaying its interest in signing eight-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez.
The Italian manufacturer is said to be impressed with the progress of its young riders, such as Francesco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, and Jorge Martin, and believes they have the potential to become future world champions.
Ducati is also said to be wary of the high cost of signing Marquez, who is one of the highest-paid riders in MotoGP.
The manufacturer’s decision to focus on young riders is a significant departure from its previous strategy of signing established stars.
In recent years, Ducati has signed riders such as Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso, and Danilo Petrucci, but none of them have been able to replicate the success of Casey Stoner, the last rider to win a MotoGP title for Ducati in 2010.
Ducati’s CEO, Claudio Domenicali, has said that the manufacturer is committed to its young riders and believes they have the potential to lead the team to future success.
“We are very happy with the progress of our young riders. They are all very talented and have the potential to become future world champions.” Domenicali said.
“We are confident that they can lead our team to success in the years to come.” Domenicali added.
Marquez’s future is now uncertain. The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Honda, but the Japanese manufacturer is also said to be interested in retaining him.
It is unclear what Marquez’s decision will be, but it is clear that Ducati is moving on without him.
The manufacturer’s focus on young riders is a sign of its confidence in its future. Ducati believes that its young riders have the potential to become the next generation of MotoGP legends.
