Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna says that the decision to sign eight-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez “was a very difficult choice” for the Italian marque.
Dall’Igna understands that its decision to sign Marquez was seen as ‘divisive’, with the topic discussed again following Enea Bastianini’s Sprint and Sunday race victory at Silverstone.
Ducati decided early on that Bastianini wouldn’t remain in Bologna, with Pramac’s Jorge Martin and Marquez the final two candidates for the seat.
Ducati is still facing criticism for its respective choice of signing Marquez, which gives the impression that Bastianini was unfairly treated by the team.
Dall’Igna stated that Ducati is willing to accept criticism from anyone who disagrees with the move, but repeated that Ducati were left in a difficult predicament.
“I am very happy for Enea. Unfortunately, we had to choose a rider from three options, but all of them would have deserved to ride for the factory team,” he told Sky Sport Italy.
“As I have always said, it was a very difficult choice from a professional and sporting point of view, but also from a human point of view.
“It is clear that I am also here to receive criticism, and I accept it as I should.”
With Bastianini off to Tech3 GasGas KTM for 2025, the Italian rider questions whether it was the right move considering he and title rival Jorge Martin are off to rival manufacturers.
“I don’t understand the choice of Ducati because they have lost two riders like me and Jorge, but I respect this decision,” he said.
“About KTM, I think it will be a good bike for me but I never tried this bike.
“I have seen it many times on track, but if you don’t try you can’t explain better if it has stronger points compared to Ducati or not, but let’s see.”
