The cases Marquez and Martin are making for a Ducati MotoGP ride

Let’s be upfront about it and admit that the story is slightly altered. While it is true that the first part of the equation must be cleared up by Ducati, the problem will not be completely solved until the chosen rider signs the contract.

Of the three who started the race for that second factory Ducati, Enea Bastianini has been left behind, a circumstance that places Martin and Marquez in the two corners of the ring. The results slightly favour the former, who, in turn, cannot compete with the latter in terms of impact and media coverage. Apart from these two concepts, it is very difficult to assess which of the two is more competitive because the circumstances surrounding them are too far apart at all levels.

Martin has built his lead in the standings on speed and consistency, the two most desirable elements for any title contender. In the six rounds on the calendar so far, the Pramac rider has two wins (Portimao and Le Mans), and a total of four podiums, combined with three more victories (Qatar, Jerez and Le Mans), and two podiums (Portimao and Austin) in those two sprint races. A huge success considering the level of competition on the grid at the moment, with an efficiency rate of 70%.

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Of the 222 total points that have been up for grabs so far, the Spaniard has been able to take 155, a figure that implies an average of 26 points per grand prix, out of a possible 37. The average for Bagnaia, who is second in the standings with 39 fewer points, is 19 points per event, practically the same as Marquez, who has only two fewer points than the reigning champion.

This picture should put Martin in pole position to join the Ducati team in 2025. However, the Bologna-based brand cannot overlook Marquez’s impressive performances in the last few races. In such a decisive stage, the #93 rider has pulled two comebacks out of his sleeve that prove that, on one of the Italian manufacturer’s bikes, he is very close to his best version.

Only with outstanding riding would one be able to come from 13th and 14th positions, at Le Mans and Barcelona respectively, to finish on the podium in a frenzy. Martin has been riding a Ducati for four years, compared to six grands prix for Marquez, who also has a bike which, on paper, offers a lower performance than his opponent.

Marquez’s opulence in all its dimensions, both on and off the track, is his best asset to convince…