With only one round left in the MotoGP season, the battle for the championship title has narrowed to two Ducati-linked riders—Jorge Martín of the Prima Pramac satellite team and Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia from Ducati’s official factory team. Just 24 points separate the two as they prepare for the crucial GP in Barcelona. Currently, Martín holds the advantage, putting him within reach of the title, yet both riders have proven their exceptional capabilities over the season, dominating the competition.
Davide Tardozzi, Ducati’s team manager, reflected on Bagnaia’s season, recognizing both his impressive skills and the costly mistakes that have hindered his progress. Despite winning ten main races this year, Bagnaia has suffered from a series of crashes, totaling seven for the season. Tardozzi acknowledged that while Pecco’s talent is evident, the frequent errors have left him trailing Martín by 24 points in the championship standings.
“Pecco is incredibly strong,” Tardozzi remarked, “but he’s made too many mistakes this season with multiple race crashes. Winning ten Sunday races out of 19 is a remarkable achievement, yet those crashes have kept him behind Jorge.” Tardozzi’s comments underscore the mixed emotions surrounding Bagnaia’s performance—his undeniable speed tempered by moments of inconsistency on the track.
Tardozzi also expressed admiration for Jorge Martín’s championship approach, noting that Martín has displayed the consistency needed to secure a strong lead. “This season shows two things,” he continued, “one, that Pecco is incredibly fast; and two, that Jorge has managed the championship brilliantly. Hats off to Jorge—he has shown the strategic mindset of a champion.”
As the MotoGP season reaches its final race, the title remains within grasp for both riders. Ducati’s reflections on their performances this season add a layer of intrigue to the outcome, highlighting the fine line between speed and strategy that defines the highest levels of racing.