MotoGP: Jorge Martin: ‘I would have fought’ Bagnaia - is there division creeping in at Ducati?

With opinions seemingly split amongst Ducati riders on whether or not they will ‘challenge’ MotoGP title contender Francesco Bagnaia for the remainder of the season, could there be division settling in at Ducati?
Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia Ducati MotoGP
Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia Ducati MotoGP

During the closing stages of last Sunday’s 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Thailand MotoGP, 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Johann Zarco was the fastest rider on track before coming up behind Bagna💫ia. 

The Pramac rider, who is still without a victory in MotoGP, haജd the chance to change that had he pic𓆏ked off the Italian quickly, however, Zarco chose not to challenge Bagnaia and instead settle for fourth place, thus aiding Bagnaia’s title chances. 

Choosing not to overtake Bagnaia has allowed the Italian to close within 2 points of 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Fabio Quartararo in the 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:MotoGP standings, although Zarco’s team-mate 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Jorge Martin would not hav🤪e been so kind, insisting he would have ‘foughtꦍ’ Bagnaia for a podium. 

"For Ducati it was better for Bagnaia t꧒o finish 3rd and even win the race, but, in the end, we are in a Wಌorld Championship and I would have fought for the podium," Martin told : 

"If it's a sixth or eighth place, there's no need to beat him, but for a podium it'𒅌s worth it, especially if you have the pace to win."

Like Zarco, 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Marco Bezzecchi, who claimed his maiden MotoGP pole in Buriram 💮before going on to lead the opening few laps, purposely stayed behind his fellow VR46 Academy rider in Motegi. 

Bezzecchi added: "He's my friend, I ☂wasn't going 🐷to attack him."

Marco Bezzecchi, Francesco Bagnaia, MotoGP, Thailand MotoGP 01 October
Marco Bezzecchi, Francesco Bagnaia, MotoGP, Thailand MotoGP 01 October

Yet, that was not the case for 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Enea Bastianini, who is also a title contender although an outside bet, as the Gresini Ducati rider attacked Bagnaia on multiple occasions at Motegi, before 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Jack Miller also overtook Bagnai✃a to finish second in Thailand. 

For Bastianini and Miller, both of whom are title contenders in their own right, challenging Bagnaia makes more sense although it could cost Bagnaia valuable points going forward and unintentionally aid Quartararo and 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Aleix Espargaro.

Another reason for Miller having less incentive to 🉐help Bagnaia and focus more on his title chances is the fact he is leaving Ducati at the end of the season, not to mention he has been in be✱tter form than Bagnaia since Motegi. 

🃏Speaking to , Miller said: "Now there are five of us who are very close [in the championship]. There are only three races left and it won't be easy, but it's become fun."

So with three races to go, will Ducati’s position that any rider is allowed to challenge for a ra♉ce win change in order ไto benefit Bagnaia, or will the Italian manufacturer stay strong in their thinking? 

The answer to this will start to take shape at next weekend’s Australian MotoGP at Philipp Island, a race Miller will be desperate to win.&nbs🧜p;

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