DUCATI RIDERS REJECT TEAM ORDERS AS MARC MARQUEZ CLOSES IN ON THE TITLE

Marc Marquez arrives at Sepang with a 10-point lead in the MotoGP standings and fresh momentum after winning the sprint at Phillip Island. Jorge Martin’s fractured right wrist has weakened the challenge from the title rival, although Martin has been declared fit to ride in Malaysia. He is expected to find it difficult to match the pace at the front.

Attention has consequently turned to whether Ducati could use team orders to help Marc secure his eighth MotoGP title, particularly with Marc’s brother Alex Marquez expected to be competitive. The Gresini rider was fastest at the Sepang test and could take points from Aprilia’s riders — or from his older brother. In Australia, Alex said he would not attempt a risky pass on Marc in the sprint. Ducati has not publicly outlined any team-orders policy.

At Sepang, however, two Ducati riders spoke against orders. Fabio Di Giannantonio said his focus was on his own campaign and his VR46 team’s interests. “I wear yellow and do my interests and those of my team, trying to bring home the best possible result,” he said. Fourth place is his nearest target, though he added: “Never say never for the third.” He acknowledged that catching Marco Bezzecchi would be difficult, but said the aim was to get the maximum from every track.

Marc’s team-mate Francesco Bagnaia also opposed enforced orders. He said he had never received or requested them during his title-winning campaigns with Ducati in 2022 and 2023, and believes riders should be free to race for themselves. “Obviously, if your team-mate is fighting for the title you try to overtake him in the best possible way, but if you have a chance to win, you win.” Bagnaia is set to leave Ducati for Aprilia next season, where he will partner Bezzecchi.

Asked about Alex’s likely pace at Thursday’s pre-event press conference, Marc offered an enigmatic response: “Sometimes between brothers it’s not necessary to speak.” He added: “I mean, he will try to win this weekend. I will try to win this weekend. And then during the race, everybody knows what he needs to do.” Marc was not asked to explain what he meant.

The championship lead, meanwhile, has not changed Marc’s approach. Asked how much it affected his mentality, he answered: “Zero.” He said he would keep trying to give his best, adding that this stage of the season was “time to take risks”, as he had done in Australia. With four rounds scheduled, though the Qatar Grand Prix remains uncertain, Marc said he would give his all in every race and session and assess whether he could fight both factory Aprilias.