“It’s business. Ducati wanted Marc because they have their ideas, I wanted to go to Aprilia because I have mine”

Thursday, 27 June 2024

We’re back! After all the headlines made since Mugello, there’s so much to talk about even before a wheel is turned in the Netherlands. From interviews to press conferences to podcasts and everything in between, here’s a rundown of what we saw and heard on Thursday as the Motul TT Assen gets in gear.

Martin: “Ducati wanted Marc because they have their ideas, I wanted Aprilia because I have mine”

JORGE MARTIN (Prima Pramac Racing)

After a positive first seven rounds, how are you feeling after a chance to recharge your batteries during the break?

“Thanks for the question about this year! I am focused now and I have a clear mind and I feel that I can do a good job as in Mugello it was really difficult mentally and emotionally for me. Even if I tried to stay away from my future it was still difficult to focus. However, on Sunday I was strong so I am confident that with a clear mind where I can focus on racing. So let’s see what I can do, in qualifying last year we made a big mistake which we paid for in the race. But the pace was good and I feel that we can be competitive.”

How excited are you for the Aprilia challenge? Is it frustrating that you missed out on the factory Ducati seat?

“It was an eventful weekend in Mugello as I arrived with some ideas and information which changed a lot during the weekend. As soon as the race finished I realised it maybe wasn’t that clear so I had to make a decision as sometimes in life things don’t go how you expect or as you want. For sure it was frustrating after four years of trying to go to the official team, I wasn’t the best solution for Ducati and that it was Marc who was. I took the best opportunity that I could and I think I will be much happier in the next years as I will be a factory rider which was my dream. I feel that I am going to a place which wants me and will give 100% for me. There is still a long season to go and I am still a Ducati rider and want to finish the year in the best way possible.”

FRANCESCO BAGNAIA (Ducati Lenovo Team)

Do you think you can take a double win this weekend?

“The target and goal is this but it will be very difficult as last year I started to struggle at this track and I didn’t feel good but we worked hard and managed to take a double podium and a win. But let’s see as Jorge was strong here last year, he started behind me in the race but his pace was two/three tenths quicker than mine. I am confident that the bike will suit this track well and we will make another step and be much faster.”

Thoughts on Marc as your teammate next year?

“I wasn’t included in this decision as it was something that I asked for as I wanted to be focused on the race track. In both cases, it would be the same situation as both Jorge and Marc are fast, in this moment Jorge is faster as he has more experience with the bike. But it was more or less the same in terms of the speed of my teammate so for me it is a new challenge and a new teammate to beat. Marc is a smart guy and understands the way he will need to adapt to the team and improve our situation.”

MARC MARQUEZ (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)

You have a great record here so how much are you looking forward to racing here on a Ducati for the first time?

“The target is to be as close to Bagnaia and Martin as I think they will be the two who will be fast all weekend. But the break was good as I could recharge my batteries and now we have two races in a row at Assen and the Sachsenring and we will try to start the weekend strong on Friday.”

How much are you looking forward to being in red for the next two years?

“I am super happy and I am thankful to Ducati Corse for choosing me to be Pecco’s teammate next year. Especially because one year ago I was ready to say it was the end of my career but luckily it was the summer break where I recharged my batteries and my body. Then from that point, I decided on another way and in this decision Honda allowed me to go to Gresini where I understood the bike was ready to give me confidence and to renew me as a rider. From that point, I did my best and I was one of the contenders for the official seat which was a pleasure. I just did my best on the race track and on Sunday night at Mugello, they told me I would be the rider and in two days we closed the contract and announced it on Wednesday. However, there is still a season to go for me where I will try and do my best at Gresini.”

ENEA BASTIANINI (Ducati Lenovo Team)

After a fantastic podium at Mugello are you optimistic about fighting for the podium this weekend?

“I now come to Assen after a really great race where I was strong in the last part of the race. We now come to a track which in the past has been tough but this is a new year and I am confident that my base set-up is good and here we have the chance to fight for the podium or to be on the podium.”

What convinced you to choose KTM and did you have any options with another Ducati team?

“It has been very difficult after the Mugello race, as once Ducati made their decision the market moved very fast, like us on track. It was a difficult choice but when I saw the project of the Tech3 team, I understood the possibility of winning and the motivation that it has given me has given me for the future. My teammate will be Maverick which will be really good as we will be strong. However, we need to focus on the present and do something good.”

MAVERICK VIÑALES (Aprilia Racing)

With your previous success at Assen is this a chance to return to the podium this weekend?

“I think this is a big chance as it is a track which I used to be very fast at and I think my bike will work well this year so the aim is high. However, we need to keep calm and understand the situation and we will see where we are but I think we have a good chance. The weather is looking stable which is good for us, so we need to be smart when we are preparing for the race.”

What made you feel like it was the right time to move on?

“One of the main reasons is that I followed my instinct as I saw what the bike to have in the future will be and I felt that it was the correct move. Obviously, seeing the potential that I can achieve like in Austin and not being able to do that in more races means something so that was also a factor in my decision. However, this is a challenge I want to face and accomplish, so I bet everything on performance and that was the best choice I could make.”

MARCO BEZZECCHI (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)

What is it about Assen that you like so much and what are your expectations heading into this weekend?

“This track is fantastic for me, I really enjoy riding this track as there are some fast and long corners. The last couple of years have been amazing here for me so hopefully this year I can start this weekend strong after this small break where I have had the chance to recharge my batteries.”

How much are you looking forward to racing for the factory Aprilia team?

“Every rider dreams of becoming a factory rider and I did the same. My target was to grow and to try and improve my riding skills and get more experience in MotoGP™ to eventually ride for a factory team. I had a possibility to do this and for me, it was my best choice.”