MotoGP great Valentino Rossi has slammed Ducati for signing Marc Marquez to its factory MotoGP team in 2025, claiming that the choice will have far-reaching ramifications.
The seven-time premier class champion believes Ducati should have chosen a rider from its existing reservoir of talent to accompany Francesco Bagnaia next season rather than pursuing Gresini star Marquez.
The Italian manufacturer initially chose Jorge Martin to replace Enea Bastianini in its lineup, but Marquez’s refusal to join Pramac next year led it to reverse its decision and give the seat to the six-time champion instead.
Martin then made the daring decision to leave Ducati’s stable entirely and join Aprilia, while Pramac likewise broke its affiliation with the Borgo Panigale brand to team up with Yamaha.
Rossi, who had a turbulent relationship with Marquez during their time together in MotoGP, criticized Ducati for prioritising the Spaniard’s popularity and previous success above a rider from its own ranks.
“I didn’t quite understand it,” he told l’Équipe. “Ducati had an intriguing structure in place, including a pyramid that allowed junior riders to advance.
“So Pecco was brought on board, and Martin and Marco Bezzecchi were ready for him. And then Ducati decided to bring Marc in.
“It’s understandable that the cyclists feel misled. They don’t count from one second to the next, so it’s no wonder that they think Marquez’s choice is a joke.
“The consequence of that [the signing of Marquez] is the breaking of the alliance with Pramac.”
Ducati’s protege Bagnaia will face Marquez directly next year, which many believe will be a huge test for the Italian, who has now established himself as the most successful rider in the manufacturer’s history.
But Rossi, who knows Bagnaia well from when the latter raced for his VR46 team in Moto2, believes the 27-year-old is ready to have such a powerful rider as a teammate in 2025.
“Pecco is ready. “He’s making a difference and has raised the bar,” Rossi remarked. “He’s a two-time [MotoGP] world champion and he’s fighting for a third title, but in my opinion, he didn’t need Marc in the box to prove he’s number one.”
Rossi has a close relationship with Ducati, with VR46 being raised to factory-supported status in 2025 and receiving one GP25 bike as part of the agreement.
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