MotoGP Malaysia: Francesco Bagnaia: ‘Not fair on Enea’ if Martin moved to Factory Ducati team
The speculation, unconfirmed by Ducati, suggests that if Martin was to make 🎀history as the first satel💫lite rider to win the ‘MotoGP’ (2002 onwards) title, he could be promoted to the official team alongside Bagnaia.
That would be at the expense of Bagnaia’s current team-mate Enea B🌼astianini.
Four wins for Gresini last season saw Bastianini picked over Martin for the coveted fact꧑ory seat, only to be sidelinಌed by injuries at the opening Portimao round, then again in Catalunya.
When he ꦓhas been on track, Bastianini has rarely looked comfortable with the GP23, 🍌managing a best finish of seventh (Sprint) and eighth (grand prix).
Meanwhile, Martin is in the best form of his career, winning four GPs this season and the last five S♎print races in a row to pile the pressure on reigning champion Bagnaia.
Like Bagnaia, Bastianini and Martin are both contracted direct𒈔ly to Ducati, which would🐼 theoretically make such a team swap easier.
However, Bagnaia made clear he thinks 😼it would be unfair to demote&🦄nbsp;Bastianini.
“I've never been part of this kind of decision 🐷and I don’t want to be part of this kind of decision,” Bagnaia said.
“I think that for Enea, it's not fair, for the seas♛on he had [with injuries]. But I'm here just to race and it's bette🐎r to ask him than me. I don't know.”
Martin suggested he 🧸would be o🔜pen to such a possibility if Ducati requested it.
“Well, I cannot say a lot. I can say I would be proud if I continue in Pramac next season, but fꦑor sure if Ducati wants me to join with a red bike I will be super happy also,” Martin said.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marqꦫuez’s injury issues.
