Today we are going to look at a question that has been bothering me for a while. Does the title of MotoGP world champion acquired by Jorge Martin against the official Pecco Bagnaia call into question the choice of Ducati, which, mid-season, set its sights on Marc Marquez? This is quite an interesting question because, in my opinion, there is no wrong answer. I will still give you my opinion in this subjective and argued analysis.
A real difference?
In my opinion, and as crazy as it sounds, no. The choice of Marc Marquez to replace Enea Bastianini makes as much sense in December as it did in June. I know: this posture seems contradictory, because classification is the best hierarchy. Martin won, so he's supposed to be the best…
and who doesn't want the best in their team? This argument stands.
Marquez was not that far from Martin's level in the second half of the season. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Based on my thoughts on this topic, I think the fact that Martin raised the cup is not a game changer. Would he have been less great if he had finished second, three points behind Bagnaia? No, obviously. During this tight year, he did not demonstrate that he was much superior to his rival, and ultimately amassed as many Sunday victories as Marc Marquez.
Furthermore, at the time, I said that I completely understood Ducati's choice. And in June, Martin was already very strong, well ahead of Bagnaia when attacking the Italian Grand Prix, where everything fell apart. Marquez was a little closer than at the end of the season mathematically, okay, but certainly not as dangerous in the race. At the time, he did not regularly play for victory as became commonplace after the level reached in Austria.
So that means the title is worthless? No, but it simply confirms that Marquez has been selected on the basis of other criteria certainly no less important.
Why choose Marquez?
The question therefore arises: why not retain a driver who, we knew since last year, was capable of competing for the world title? Marc Marquez brings other things, and already, his name. With Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Mick Doohan, Giacomo Agostini and the other myths, he is one of the greatest drivers of all time. Many criticized Ducati for making this choice, but can a brand (any brand, for that matter) even stop itself from recruiting one of its sport's biggest stars if it gets the chance? I don't think so. Ino need to mention the media impact and the promised financial benefitswhich will be infinitely more important than with Jorge Martin under the awning. This goes without saying and I don't think I need to explain it to you in detail.
Was Martin the best driver this year? The question arises. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Then, you should not neglect your talent. This year, Marc Marquez only had a Ducati Desmosedici GP23, quite far from the GP24s, it could be seen visually. So, I know that Marquez himself refused to justify the latent performance gap between him, Martin and Bagnaia in this way, but a solid argument cannot remove this idea from my head. Three-time MotoGP winner Marco Bezzecchi has not lost his talent in such a short time. The Italian, with his GP23 at Ducati VR46, could do nothing other than a single podium in 2024. Has it become average or even mediocre? Of course not. I could also take the example of Alex Marquez, even less convincing than last year and light years from his big brother.
The only Desmosedici GP23 performing all year was the one driven by Marc Marquez. It's a fact, no matter what anyone says, even those most involved.
Having Marquez in his box means having part of the legend, and a driver who goes strong, very strong. On an obviously less efficient bike, he still managed to win three times, and each time, in style. He could clearly be a MotoGP title contender next year given what he showed this season.
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I think his situation is comparable to that of Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1. The legend has just left Mercedes for Ferrari when he is almost 40 years old. Okay, Hamilton was perhaps not the best option on the market – although he remains strong – but what team can boast of being able to refuse a drive to the seven-time world champion? This is not possible, exactly like with Marc Marquez. What is certain is that both will have the same ambition next year: make history, and that's much bigger than a world title.
I'm curious to know if you share my opinion, because other arguments exist in favor of Jorge Martin and his title now in his baggage. So, tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
In any case, we don't talk much about Bastianini in this affair. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
