In a recent reflection on the intense 2024 MotoGP season, Ducati team leader Davide Tardozzi expressed deep frustration regarding Francesco Bagnaia’s current standing in the championship. Despite an impressive tally of eight race victories this year, Bagnaia finds himself trailing Jorge Martin by a mere ten points in the overall standings, a situation Tardozzi likened to “an open wound.” The ongoing rivalry between Bagnaia and Martin has become the focal point of this year’s championship, especially after the thrilling Japanese Grand Prix where Bagnaia clinched another win.
Bagnaia’s eight victories are remarkable, placing him in elite company alongside legends like Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi. However, his chase for the title has been hindered by seven retirements throughout the season, compared to Martin’s four non-finishes. This discrepancy in consistency has proven costly, leaving Bagnaia in a frustrating second place despite his dominant performances on the track.
In an interview with GPOne.com, Tardozzi shared his thoughts on this paradoxical situation, noting, “It’s difficult to reconcile Pecco’s eight wins with the fact that he is still behind Jorge in the standings.” Tardozzi emphasized that while this situation is disheartening, he believes Bagnaia is aware of the team’s strengths and is determined to convert his talent into championship success. He has confidence in Bagnaia’s ability to rise to the occasion and fulfill the expectations of both himself and his team.
With only four races remaining in the season, Ducati has already secured the constructors’ championship and is on track to claim the riders’ title for the third consecutive year. Tardozzi asserted that the close competition between Bagnaia and Martin means that whoever ultimately claims the championship will have rightfully earned it. “This year, more than any other, the winner will deserve the title,” he stated, highlighting the respect both riders hold for each other’s capabilities.
As the championship race approaches its conclusion, both Bagnaia and Martin are poised for a thrilling finish. The respect and acknowledgment of each other’s strengths ensure that the battle for the title remains fierce and open. With Valencia on the horizon, where Bagnaia has historically performed well, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown that will undoubtedly captivate MotoGP fans around the world.