Earlier this week, just before the Portuguese Grand Prix, Ducati made headlines by securing the services of 18-year-old Moto2 sensation Fermin Aldeguer under a factory contract for the upcoming two years, with an option for an additional two. However, the team remained tight-lipped about which squad Aldeguer would join on the grid.
In a significant shift, Ducati’s new sporting director Mauro Grassilli, succeeding Paolo Ciabatti, hinted during Thursday’s activities in Portugal that it was Pramac’s call on whether Aldeguer would race next season in the Italian manufacturer’s satellite team. This suggestion subtly implied a potential termination of the partnership between the two teams by year-end.
Despite having automatic renewal clauses for 2025 and 2026, Ducati revealed that Pramac retained the authority to nullify the contract at the close of the ongoing season. Such a move would naturally thwart Aldeguer’s anticipated transition to Paolo Campinoti’s team, a decision initially advocated by Ducati’s general manager Gigi Dall’Igna.
This message wasn’t arbitrary. Rather, Ducati’s headquarters in Bologna aimed to clarify that they weren’t in a position to disclose Aldeguer’s fate for 2025 at this juncture. This stance contradicted Gino Borsoi, Pramac’s team manager, who expressed enthusiasm about securing the young Spaniard for the forthcoming season in a recent interview with Motorsport.com.
Aldeguer himself expressed confidence on Thursday that he would indeed be riding for Campinoti’s team next year.
Sources close to Motorsport.com revealed that Pramac holds the key to terminating the Ducati partnership for the next two years, particularly if an enticing offer from another manufacturer materializes. Both Yamaha and KTM have engaged in discussions with Campinoti’s outfit, adding a layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
The resolution is expected before the summer hiatus, as Ducati set a deadline with its satellite team, fostering a tighter collaboration.
Acknowledging the existence of an exit clause, a Pramac source emphasized their contentment with the longstanding partnership with Ducati, signaling a high likelihood of continuity. However, the official announcement is pending.
It’s perplexing to imagine Pramac relinquishing its coveted status as a ‘semi-official’ team to align with Yamaha, especially considering the synergy that aligns with the VR46 team owned by MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi, a prominent figure for the Iwata brand.
Meanwhile, the Tavullia-based team, following a stellar 2023 campaign, faces an internal deliberation between continuing the Ducati alliance or forging ties with Yamaha for 2025.
Pramac entered the MotoGP scene in 2002 with Honda before making the transition to Ducati in 2005, in collaboration with the D’Antin Racing structure. Since then, the team has experienced numerous changes within the championship environment. Guided by Gigi Dall’Igna’s leadership, Pramac transformed into a partner team, closely aligning with Ducati’s goals for on-track advancement and development.
Since 2020, Pramac has benefitted from identical machinery to the factory team, with riders such as Bagnaia, Miller, Martin, Zarco, and Morbidelli securing contracts directly with Ducati, solidifying the team’s stature in the MotoGP grid.
