The hiring of Marc Marquez has sparked a flurry of dashed hopes among those who aspired to the job from satellite teams
The rise of Marc Marquez in the official Ducati team has triggered an earthquake in the world of MotoGP, foreshadowing a series of changes that could have profound and lasting repercussions on the Borgo Panigale stable. This strategic move has generated no small amount of controversy and raised numerous questions about the future of collaborations between Ducati and the VR46 galaxy, chaired by Valentino Rossi.
The news of the farewell of Marco Bezzecchi from the Ducati family to settle down with Aprilia, it’s not just a change of team, but a sign of a possible breakdown of alliances in the world of two wheels. The Italian’s decision to leave Ducati for Aprilia, as reported by ‘Motorsport.com’, could in fact be the first step in a rift between VR46 and Ducati, historically linked by a relationship of collaboration and trust.
The arrival of Marc Marquez in the official Ducati team was seen as a betrayal by many enthusiasts of the Italian brand, who have always associated the team with an imperishable, well-defined philosophy and a strong national identity. The inclusion of a Spanish champion, with such a distinct character and driving style, made a mark a break with the past.
This change also had immediate repercussions on the pilots of the satellite teams. Bezzecchi saw his limited growth opportunities since the arrival of the Catalan. The decision to focus on a driver of such caliber has inevitably stifled the ambitions of many promising young people, creating a climate of uncertainty and dissatisfaction.
Bezzecchi the Marquez case, upheavals in Ducati
Bezzecchi, who is not surprisingly among those coming from VR46, decided not to wait any longer. His official signing with Aprilia reflects the desire for a more stable environment with greater growth opportunities. Ducati, which had considered the option of make him race with the Pramac teamsaw this possibility disappear.
The 2024 season did not start in the best way for Bezzecchi, who was in eleventh position in the general classification at Assen. The arrival of Marquez it further undermined his morale, already compromised by results below expectations. This led to the drastic decision to seek new challenges away from Ducati.
The situation could worsen further, leading to a complete break between VR46 and Ducati. Valentino Rossi, who chairs the VR46 academy, is known to have never had idyllic relationships with Marc Marquez following what happened in Sepang in 2015. The presence of the Iberian in the official Ducati team leads to the hypothesis that Rossi may decide to cut ties with the Borgo Panigale team.
A anonymous source close to the VR46 revealed to ‘Motorsport.com’: “Marc’s purchase was not well received. He hasn’t changed the brand’s philosophy, but he certainly won’t bring stability.”. This comment suggests that Ducati’s decisions could have knock-on consequences, influencing not only the riders but also long-term strategies to be adopted with the satellite teams.
The VR46 team, for its part, may have to rethink its strategy and consider new alliances. Yamaha, for example, could become a new motorcycle supplier for Rossi’s team, scoring an epochal turning point in the history of VR46.
