The world of MotoGP is full of drama, fierce competition, and tough decisions. One of the most controversial decisions in recent years was Ducati’s choice to promote Enea Bastianini to the factory team over Jorge Martin. With both riders performing exceptionally well in 2022, Ducati’s decision was bound to leave one rider feeling slighted. As the 2023 season has unfolded, many fans and experts are beginning to wonder if Ducati made the wrong choice by overlooking Jorge Martin.

The 2022 Season: A Close Contest

Jorge Martin, riding for the Pramac Racing satellite team, had an impressive 2022 season. His natural talent and raw speed made him a standout in every race. Martin consistently demonstrated his ability to take the fight to the front of the grid, challenging even the most experienced riders in MotoGP. With his exceptional qualifying performances and fearless riding style, many believed Martin was the logical choice for the factory Ducati seat.

On the other hand, Enea Bastianini also had an outstanding 2022 season, securing several victories and proving himself to be a strong competitor. His aggressive riding style and ability to manage races made him a worthy candidate for the factory team as well. Ultimately, Ducati chose Bastianini to replace Jack Miller, a decision that left Martin disappointed and fans divided.

A Rough Start to 2023

As the 2023 season kicked off, Jorge Martin seemed determined to prove Ducati wrong. His early performances were mixed, with some strong finishes but also some crashes and inconsistency. However, as the season progressed, Martin’s form improved significantly. His ability to extract the maximum performance from his Pramac Ducati became more evident, and he began to consistently finish on the podium.

Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini’s first season in the factory team started with its own challenges. The pressure of riding for the Ducati factory team, combined with a series of unfortunate incidents, including crashes and injuries, hampered his progress. Bastianini struggled to find the same level of consistency and pace that he had shown in 2022, leaving many wondering if Ducati had made the wrong decision in choosing him over Martin.

Martin’s 2023 Dominance

As the 2023 season continued, Jorge Martin’s performances became harder to ignore. Not only was he consistently finishing in the top positions, but he also started to challenge reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia for race wins. His fearless approach to racing and ability to make bold overtakes began to earn him the reputation of being one of the most exciting riders on the grid.

In several races, Martin outperformed both Bastianini and Bagnaia, showing that he had the talent and skill to compete at the highest level. His consistency, pace, and ability to handle pressure suggested that he would have been a formidable asset to the factory team. As Bastianini continued to struggle, fans and pundits began to openly question whether Ducati had made a critical error in their rider selection.

Ducati’s Missed Opportunity?

The argument that Jorge Martin has “proved” Ducati made the wrong choice is gaining momentum. Ducati’s decision to promote Bastianini over Martin was based on several factors, including Bastianini’s strong performances in 2022 and his potential for growth. However, Martin’s consistent top-tier performances in 2023 suggest that he may have been the better choice to support Bagnaia in the factory team.

Ducati’s decision also seems to have sparked a new level of determination in Martin. He is riding with a chip on his shoulder, eager to prove that he deserves a factory ride. This motivation has resulted in some of the best performances of his career, showing that he can deliver results under immense pressure.

What’s Next for Martin and Ducati?

While it’s too early to definitively say that Ducati made a mistake, the evidence is mounting that Jorge Martin has outperformed expectations. With Bastianini struggling and Martin continuing to impress, Ducati may be left questioning their decision.

Looking ahead to 2024, the big question will be whether Ducati can afford to overlook Martin any longer. If he continues to dominate and Bastianini’s struggles persist, the Italian manufacturer may be forced to rethink their rider lineup. For now, Jorge Martin has certainly made his case, proving that Ducati may have let their best talent slip through their fingers.

In the high-stakes world of MotoGP, one thing is clear: Jorge Martin is not done proving himself, and Ducati may have made a costly miscalculation in their 2022 decision.