Francesco Bagnaia’s Singular Contract Sets a Challenge for Jorge Martin’s Future Plans
Ducati is reportedly aiming to slash the overall costs of their MotoGP riders’ salaries, which could mean Jorge Martin will need to seek a new team.
Following Andrea Dovizioso’s departure, MotoGP’s leading manufacturer reduced their expenditure by 50% and is now looking to replicate those cost-saving measures, according to Motorsport.
While factory rider Francesco Bagnaia has secured a new long-term contract, potentially worth up to €10m if he clinches the championship, Ducati is unwilling to offer similar deals to other riders.
Previously, Bagnaia received a salary on par with that of Martin and Enea Bastianini. However, this new agreement marks a departure from that pattern.
Martin, whose contract concludes at the end of this season, has reportedly threatened to leave Ducati unless he is promoted to the factory team for 2025.
However, a Ducati insider informed Motorsport, “Salaries need to align. Ducati cannot justify a base salary of €2m for a rider in a satellite team.”
The source added, “Ducati is cautious about committing to salaries that may become unsustainable in the coming years.”
It’s also been mentioned that Moto2 prospect Fermin Aldeguer is anticipated to join Pramac in 2025.
The report indicates that Fermin Aldeguer will receive a salary of €300,000.
Aldeguer’s modest salary serves as a clear example of Ducati’s strategy to manage costs for the 2025 season and beyond.
In his pursuit of a factory role and a contract akin to Bagnaia’s, Martin may be compelled to explore other options.
Even if he were to secure a factory Ducati bike for 2025, it is unlikely to come with the substantial salary enjoyed by Bagnaia.
However, Ducati continues to boast the top-performing bike on the MotoGP grid, a fact evident from the Qatar season-opener.
This suggests that riders, including the likes of Marc Marquez who opted for a move to Gresini despite leaving a lucrative Honda deal, might prioritize a competitive machine over financial incentives.
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