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MotoGP, Ducati: no team instructions, but subtle pressure for the final

The suspense surrounding the 2024 MotoGP title is reaching its peak. As Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia prepare to compete for the title in Barcelona, ​​the question of team instructions at Ducati comes back to the fore. If the Italian brand claims to maintain its policy of freedom for its drivers, a certain pressure nevertheless seems to be felt.

While the 2024 MotoGP championship final approach, Ducati maintains its policy of no team instructions. However, with the title fight between Jorge Martin et Francesco Bagnaia which is raging, the Italian brand still issued a warning: “ Don't do stupid things. »

As we approach Barcelonathe two pilots Ducati are separated by 24 points. Martinin the lead, must score two points more than Bagnaia to win the title. The latter, strong in his position as vice-champion, will fight with everything he has to retain his crown, but Ducatiwhile refusing to dictate the conduct of its pilots, warned against any behavior that could harm their own battle.

The challenge of implementing team guidelines is particularly complex for Ducatias explained Davide Tardozzithe team manager. “ It's very difficult because Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia are playing for first place, but the two drivers who can influence this situation one way or another are Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini“, he said.

Davide Tardozzi Ducati: « don't do stupid things between you »

However, this is not a “submission” situation where one must help the other. Tardozzi clarified that the third place in the championshipalthough less publicized, remains a great reward, which explains why pilots like Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini also fight for position.

Ducati has taken a freedom of racing approach this season, emphasizing that they want to let their drivers fight for their own championship without interference. The message they have conveyed since the middle of the year remains unchanged: “ don't do stupid things between you. » This means that, even with the title on the line, the drivers Ducati will have to manage the situation themselves, without directives imposed from the stands.

This is not the first time that Ducati chooses not to intervene. The example of 2017, where Jorge Lorenzo was asked to pass Andrea Dovizioso through a “mapping 8” coded message, remains a strong memory of the brand. This time, Ducati hopes that its pilots will focus on their personal goals while avoiding any internal tension.

With the current situation, the final of Barcelona promises to be crucial. But one thing is certain: Ducatifaithful to its principles, wishes to let its pilots play their own game, while reminding that mutual respect must take precedence to preserve team integrity.

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