Ducati have a clear option in place if Marc Marquez retires from MotoGP

Follow us on Google Discover

With Marc Marquez struggling through injuries, Ducati have Jorge Martin lined up as the perfect successor if he chooses to step away from the sport.

Marquez is believed to be dealing with a more serious shoulder injury than first thought, and his recent performances haven’t matched what fans are used to seeing from him.

The pain has only worsened since his crash in Austin, where he picked up forearm injuries that have further limited his ability on the bike.

On top of all that, Marquez’s recent dominance has made him a target for other riders, adding even more pressure during a difficult spell in his career.

Ducati won’t be worried about who might step in if needed. They’ve already got someone capable of taking over — Jorge Martin was brought in for exactly this reason.

Ducati might not need to look far for Marquez replacement

Jack Appleyard, speaking on the Motorsport Republica podcast, brought up the possibility of Marc Marquez stepping away from racing this year.

Appleyard pointed out that Marquez’s injury issues and his own high expectations could make retirement at the end of the season a real option. If that happens, Ducati wouldn’t have to look far for a replacement, with Fermin Aldeguer already in their ranks at Gresini.

“We know Marc is only here to win. He’s not bothered about riding around at 80% and finishing third, fourth or fifth.

“I genuinely think that if this shoulder doesn’t improve and we get to halfway, three-quarters to go, I don’t think it’s completely off the cards that Marc says: ‘Okay, at the end of the year. That’s me. I’m done.’

“If he feels as though the shoulder is just never going to get better. He’s not going to have the strength given injuries he’s come back from before.

“He may just feel as though this is his limit now and given his mentality, I don’t think he’d want to come back just riding around at 75% of what he’s capable of doing.”

Aldeguer has plenty of MotoGP potential and currently rides alongside Alex Marquez in Gresini’s non-factory team. He has been linked with a move up to replace Pecco Bagnaia next year when Bagnaia joins KTM.

VR46 Ties could make Fermin Aldeguer promotion tricky for Ducati

Moving Fermin Aldeguer up to replace Marc Marquez might not be as simple as it sounds, especially with the rider locked in with VR46 until 2027.

Ducati reportedly made a commitment to provide VR46 with a top-tier rider to help keep them on as a satellite team, and Aldeguer is seen as that player.

The Gresini camp wasn’t happy when Ducati took Aldeguer, and taking him away from VR46 could create even more friction.

With relationships already strained between Ducati and both Gresini and VR46, the simpler move may be persuading Marquez to extend his time with the team beyond this season.