Recent reports, starting with Gazzetta dello Sport, indicate that Ducati is leaning towards promoting Jorge Martin to the factory squad for 2025. While the Italian Grand Prix was originally seen as the deadline for this decision, Ducati stepped back earlier in the week, stating they wouldn't make a formal announcement. For the past several rounds, the conversation has centered on whether Marc Marquez or Jorge Martin will join Francesco Bagnaia on the factory team.
This follows several reports, first published by Gazzetta dello Sport, that Ducati has chosen to promote Jorge Martin to its factory team seat for 2025. Ducati had already designated this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix as the location for its decision but had stated earlier this week that it would not make a statement. Martin and Marc Marquez have emerged as the front-runners for the seat alongside double-world champion Francesco Bagnaia in recent few rounds.
Jorge Martin has a strong case, given his current championship lead and his runner-up status in 2023. But Ducati's decision has been complicated by Marc Marquez's blistering form on the Gresini GP23. Martin has been vocal about wanting a factory seat to stay with the brand, but Marquez's early-season speed and his huge marketing value have made the situation much more unpredictable.
With Martin seemingly close to securing the factory role, Ducati's plan is to offer Marquez a factory-spec bike but keep him at Pramac for 2025. Marquez, speaking to DAZN, has already rejected this path. He mentioned that since Ducati hasn't officially ruled him out as the top choice, he will continue to perform at his peak to maximize his bargaining power. He believes that by delivering maximum results on the track, he will open up more viable options for his future seat.
Marquez wants to maintain the momentum from his recent races. While he acknowledges that Pramac is a quality team, he is firm in his stance that it isn't the right fit for him. He is a man who knows exactly what he wants: the newest bike possible and, ideally, a spot on the official factory team. According to the Spanish rider, being part of the official squad provides a level of support and resources that is simply superior to any other arrangement.
While Marquez had previously hinted that Pramac wasn't his first choice, he seemed more open to it recently, provided he had a factory bike. However, reports suggest the Pierer Mobility Group (KTM/GasGas) has made him a very tempting offer for 2025. It remains to be seen if the six-time world champion is willing to leave Ducati and face the challenge of adapting to yet another new motorcycle in just two years.