The Ducati racing team is facing a difficult decision regarding their lineup for next year. Team boss, Gigi Dall’Igna, must choose between current factory rider, Enea Bastianini, last year’s runner-up, Jorge Martin, and six-time MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez, to join reigning world champion Pecco Bagnaia. This decision is further complicated by uncertainty regarding the number of bikes Ducati will have on the grid next season, as their satellite team, Pramac, is considering an offer from rival Yamaha. The options are either Martin going to the factory team, Bastianini moving to Aprilia, and Marquez securing a factory bike at Gresini or Pramac, or Marquez going to the factory team, Martin to Aprilia, and Bastianini getting a factory bike at Gresini or Pramac. The decision poses a risk of alienating part of the current lineup, but it is crucial for Ducati to maintain the best possible group for the future.
One option Ducati is considering is promoting Martin to the factory team, which would fulfill his desire to have a factory team around him. This move would give Ducati two superstars in their team and create an extremely competitive lineup. It also avoids the potential embarrassment of seeing the number one rider on a satellite bike or on a machine from another manufacturer. However, this option would mean Bastianini would be left out, but he may find a place at Aprilia. Aprilia is eager to hire either Bastianini or Martin if Ducati does not sign them, although Bastianini on the RS-GP may not be as appealing as Martin on the bike.
Another option that Ducati is considering is to place Marquez in the Pramac team. Marquez is currently content in the familiar Gresini team, and offering him factory-spec machines in a private team may be enough to keep him on board. This option also helps to keep Pramac alongside Ducati, as they would have preference on bikes if they remain with Ducati. There are two factions within Ducati, one that wants to see a red factory bike winning and another that wants to see the Desmosedici on top, regardless of the team’s machine. If the first faction gets what they want, Ducati may hire Marquez and pursue more titles in the premier class and victories in grand prix motorcycle races.
However, hiring Marquez would likely lead Martin to leave Ducati’s ranks, potentially taking him to Aprilia or KTM. KTM has not denied recent rumors suggesting they would be open to hiring Martin, who previously had ties to KTM in his rise to MotoGP. This option could also speed up Pramac’s decision to join Yamaha, but would benefit Bastianini, who could return to his former team, Gresini, with the latest technology. Keeping the current lineup as it is would be the least offensive option for Ducati’s current superstar, Bagnaia, who would maintain his number one status and lead the bike’s development. However, Ducati may be interested in bringing in another title contender, which keeping Bastianini may not achieve.
In the end, the decision is not just about the machine, but also the significant factory resources that come with a job in the manufacturer’s main team. In the modern era of MotoGP, these resources have been crucial for success in the championship, something that Martin is well aware of.
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The football star Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals in his debut for the new club, Manchester United, in a crushing 5-1 victory over Leeds United. At 36 years old, Ronaldo showed that he still has a lot to offer to the football world, leaving fans ecstatic with his brilliant performance.
The game started with Manchester United dominating from the beginning. At the 30th minute, Ronaldo opened the scoring with a beautiful shot from outside the box. He didn’t stop there and, just seven minutes later, scored his second goal, showcasing his incredible skill inside the box.
In the second half, Ronaldo continued his flawless performance. At the 55th minute, he completed his hat-trick, driving the fans crazy. It was an impressive display from the player, proving once again why he is considered one of the best in the world.
In addition to Ronaldo’s goals, Manchester United also had a great performance from their teammates. Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood also made their mark in the game, each scoring a goal.
With this overwhelming victory, Manchester United showed that they are ready to compete at a high level this season. Ronaldo’s arrival brought a new energy to the team and fans are excited about the possibilities this brings.
Now, it remains to be seen how Ronaldo will adapt to his return to Manchester United. With his experience and talent, he will certainly be one of the team’s standout players and will continue to delight fans with his exceptional football.
The future looks bright for Manchester United and their fans are eager to see what the season holds. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack, expectations are high and confidence in success is evident. It will be an exciting season for Manchester United fans.
