Stoner warns Martin: ‘I know what Ducati can do to win’
Casey Stoner believes the title fight is still far from over despite Jorge Martin’s lead ahead of the Barcelona final.Jorge Martin is set to win the 2024 MotoGP title with Ducati satellite team Pramac and currently has a significant 24-point lead over Francesco Bagnaia.
Since the start of the year, paddock insiders have repeatedly claimed that Ducati would not allow a non-factory rider to win the title, even if Martin had the advantage.
However, Ducati has always maintained that it will keep the relationship between the two fair.
However, former MotoGP star Casey Stoner is not convinced by Ducati’s stance on the matter, having witnessed some of the internal politics during his time at the Borgo Panigale brand between 2007 and 2010.
“I think Jorge deserves the title and is in a position to win it. He has shown what he can do and he is constantly improving,” the Australian told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Pecco will do his best to win and Ducati wants to keep the number one spot. I hope everything goes well because there could be a lot of chaos.”
When asked if some people at Ducati might not want Martin to win, he said: “I agree. I know the company and I know what they can do to win.”
“Gigi also thinks so. Ducati management also does not want to lose number one.”
“But everyone is watching them very closely. If they make a mistake like that, it will come out.”
“I hope everything goes well and we can see the real world champion.”
Martin had verbally agreed with Ducati to move to the factory team alongside Bagnaia next year, but the team changed their minds and signed Marc Marquez to replace Bastianini.
This situation led Martin to sever all ties with Ducati and chart a new path with Aprilia.
“It would be a heavy blow for Ducati to lose Jorge next year,” Stoner said.
“But I think more importantly, they have deprived Jorge, who has spent years loyal to the brand, who has made an extraordinary effort to be the only one who can compete with Bagnaia, of the opportunity to move up to the factory team. I don’t think that’s fair.”
