Martin in line for Ducati MotoGP seat if he clinches championship victory at Valencia
Martin’s Potential Move to Ducati Factory Team Creates Buzz
In the midst of an intense title battle against Francesco Bagnaia, speculations have emerged about Jorge Martin potentially joining the factory Ducati squad in 2024. This could happen if he clinches the championship and replaces Enea Bastianini. The possibility was confirmed by Ducati during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend.
A twist came when Bastianini secured his first victory for the team in a season plagued by injuries. However, on the eve of the season finale, it has been revealed that Martin will test ride with the factory team alongside Bagnaia if he becomes champion on Sunday.
The contract renewal between Martin and Ducati includes a clause stating that winning the championship can lead to a promotion. Despite this agreement, Ducati initially preferred Bastianini over Martin due to his successful performance in 2022 for Gresini Racing with four wins and third place overall.
Bastianini’s contract also guaranteed him only one year with the factory team. Depending on certain parameters, such as performance evaluation, there is a possibility that Bastianini might be moved to another structure within Ducati, potentially joining Pramac alongside Franco Morbidelli.
Possible Shifts Within Ducati
In early November, sources close to Ducati indicated that they had not considered replacing Martin with Bastianini. However, last year’s contract mentioned that if Bastianini moved to the official team, Martin would automatically be transferred if he became world champion.
Although this scenario seemed unlikely at the time, it has now become a real possibility as we approach the final race of the season. Ducati sources confirmed in Valencia on Saturday that while not yet stipulated in the contract for 2018 Moto3 champion Martin, there is a chance of him moving to the factory team.
Martin currently trails Bagnaia by 14 points after winning an intense sprint on Saturday. However, Bagnaia only needs to finish fifth in order to secure his second championship title.