Marc Márquez: Ruled Out for Pramac Ducati in 2024

Published by Stree Missile on 22/08/202322/08/2023

Amid the rumors circulating in the MotoGP paddock about possible changes for the upcoming season, Paolo Ciabatti, the sporting director of the Italian factory Ducati, has clarified the situation regarding Marc Márquez and Franco Morbidelli. Ciabatti has made it clear that the Pramac Ducati team will not be intended for Márquez and that the brand's strategy is to focus on nurturing young riders.

After the confirmation of Johann Zarco's departure from Pramac Ducati to LCR Honda, the spotlight shifted to potential moves for the upcoming season. Rumors emerged about Marco Bezzecchi staying with Mooney VR46 with a 2023 Ducati instead of the 2024 version, Franco Morbidelli becoming a teammate to Álex Márquez at Gresini Ducati, and the possibility of the 2024 Ducati Desmosedici vacated by Zarco going to Marc Márquez in case of a split with Honda.

However, Ciabatti has categorically denied the possibility of Márquez joining Ducati Pramac and explained: "Márquez is not our project and at the moment, the most likely scenario is that the Pramac Ducati will be for Morbidelli. As for the Gresini Ducati, I still don't know who it will be for. They are evaluating it, but previously we had the priority of figuring out what to do with Bezzecchi and Zarco."

Ciabatti also emphasized Ducati's strategy of promoting young riders: "We have a strategy that has been to grow young riders with us. And besides, doesn't he have a contract with Honda for next year? What would Honda do without him? Maybe stay home, and that's not good for the championship. Honda needs to have someone who can help them improve if they are given concessions, and Márquez would be good for that."

Davide Tardozzi, team manager of the official Ducati team, shared the same perspective regarding a possible signing of Márquez and stated that Márquez has a contract with Honda. Tardozzi emphasized that their current focus is on Francesco Bagnaia and his growth within the team.

Even Márquez himself dismissed the rumor about a possible move to Ducati Pramac and stated that he has a contract with Honda for the next year and is committed to improving Honda's project.

In summary, the statements from the key figures make it clear that the Ducati Pramac seat will not be for Márquez and that Ducati's strategy is focused on the development of young riders, while Márquez will continue in his role with Honda.