MotoGP: Valentino Rossi Calls Out Ducati For Marc Marquez Signing - 'A Joke'

Valentino Rossi criticizes Ducati's decision to sign Marc Marquez.

August 26, 2012; Brno, CZECH REPUBLIC; MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi (ITA) in turn 13 during warm up for Czech Republic Grand Prix at Automotodrom Brno. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has voiced strong opinions about Ducati's recent decision to enlist Marc Marquez, an eight-time world champion, into their factory team starting in 2025. This unexpected move, announced in early June, has significantly disrupted the normal progression and expectations within Ducati's team dynamics.

Originally, Ducati had planned to promote Jorge Martin to this premier position. However, the announcement of Marquez’s recruitment during the Italian Grand Prix weekend altered the trajectory of not just Martin—who subsequently signed with Aprilia for the 2025 season—but also affected other rising stars within Ducati’s ranks.

During an interview with L’Equipe, as quoted by Crash.net, Rossi commented:

“I have not finished understanding it.

“Ducati had an interesting system in place, with a pyramid that allowed young riders to progress.

“That's how Pecco was brought up, and both Martin and Marco Bezzecchi were also waiting for it. And suddenly Ducati decided to bring Marc in.

“It's normal that [the riders] feel betrayed. From one moment to the next they no longer count, so no wonder they consider the choice of Marquez a joke.”

This development strategy had benefited young talents like Francesco Bagnaia (Pecco), Martin, and Marco Bezzecchi, fostering their growth within Ducati's system. Rossi continued:

“Pecco is ready.

“He is making a difference and has managed to raise the bar.

“He is a two-time world champion and is fighting for a third title, but, in my opinion, he didn't need Marc in the box to prove that he is number one.”

The reshuffling extends beyond the riders to affiliations with other teams. Following this strategic pivot, Pramac Racing will partner with Yamaha as their satellite team from 2025 onwards. Additionally, Rossi’s own team will now support rider Fabio Di Giannantonio with factory Ducati backing. Meanwhile, VR46 Academy protégé Bezzecchi, along with Martin, will join the factory Aprilia team in the upcoming seasons.

Current 2024 MotoGP Standings

1. Jorge Martin - Prima Pramac Racing - 241 points
2. Francesco Bagnaia - Ducati Lenovo Team - 238 points
3. Enea Bastianini - Ducati Lenovo Team - 192 points
4. Marc Marquez - Gresini Racing MotoGP - 179 points
5. Maverick Viñales - Aprilia Racing - 130 points
6. Pedro Acosta - Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 - 122 points
7. Brad Binder - Red Bull KTM Factory Racing - 114 points
8. Fabio Di Giannantonio - Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team - 104 points
9. Aleix Espargaro - Aprilia Racing - 99 points
10. Alex Marquez - Gresini Racing MotoGP - 92 points
11. Marco Bezzecchi - Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team - 61 points
12. Franco Morbidelli - Prima Pramac Racing - 61 points
13. Miguel Oliveira - Trackhouse Racing - 51 points
14. Fabio Quartararo - Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team - 49 points
15. Raul Fernandez - Trackhouse Racing - 46 points
16. Jack Miller - Red Bull KTM Factory Racing - 42 points
17. Augusto Fernandez - Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 - 15 points
18. Johann Zarco - CASTROL Honda LCR - 14 points
19. Joan Mir - Repsol Honda Team - 13 points
20. Takaaki Nakagami - IDEMITSU Honda LCR - 11 points
21. Alex Rins - Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team - 8 points
22. Daniel Pedrosa - Red Bull KTM Factory Racing - 7 points
23. Luca Marini - Repsol Honda Team - 1 point
24. Stefan Bradl - HRC Test Team - 0 points
25. Pol Espargaro - Red Bull KTM Factory Racing - 0 points
26. Remy Gardner - Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team - 0 points
27. Lorenzo Savadori - Aprilia Racing - 0 points