Valentino Rossi Slams Ducati - 'Riders Feel Betrayed'

Alex Harrington | Aug 9, 2024

August 26, 2012; Brno, CZECH REPUBLIC; MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi (ITA) looks on prior to the Czech Republic Grand Prix at Automotodrom Brno. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Valentino Rossi, the MotoGP veteran, openly criticized Ducati's recent decision to bring Marc Marquez into their factory team for 2025, describing the move as a betrayal to the team's current riders. Rossi, who heads the VR46 Academy, revealed his discontent in a recent interview with L’Equipe, reflecting a broader unrest among Ducati riders.

The controversy revolves around a shift in Ducati's strategy. Initially, the plan was to elevate Jorge Martin to the factory team. This trajectory took a sharp turn when Ducati signed Marc Marquez, previously from Honda, after he turned down an offer from Pramac for a works bike. The news broke during the Italian Grand Prix weekend, which subsequently pushed Martin to move to Aprilia for the 2025 season.

Rossi criticized the decision, questioning its rationale and its timing, as quoted by Paddock-GP.

"I have not finished understanding it," Rossi remarked. "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."

These developments left other riders feeling sidelined, disrupting what was a functional developmental pyramid within the team.

Rossi did not mince words: “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 strategic reformation has unfolded broader consequences within team formations across the MotoGP. The addition of Marquez to the factory team to partner with Francesco Bagnaia not only has affected the career trajectories of Ducati’s other riders but also prompted structural realignments. Following the reshuffle, Pramac will now partner with Yamaha starting in 2025, and Rossi’s own squad, VR46, will receive increased factory support from Ducati for Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Despite acknowledging Marquez's skill on a bike, Rossi believes Bagnaia doesn't need such stellar company to prove his worth. Rossi lauded Bagnaia's performance:

"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 implications of Ducati's decision extend beyond just immediate team dynamics. It marks a significant cultural shift within the Ducati team, one that could potentially alter the internal chemistry and mentorship rhythms that have defined their developmental strategies so far.