The paths of Marc Márquez and Paolo Campinoti could have crossed in this MotoGP 2025 season, but the intentions of the eight-time champion and Ducati led to a divergence in their paths. The owner of Prima Pramac had hoped that Jorge Martín, his protégé, would move up to the official Ducati team, allowing the ’93’ to potentially join Pramac. However, Márquez was resolute in his stance, stating, “I won’t go to Pramac,” indicating that he would either join the factory team or remain with Gresini, or explore other options. As it turned out, Martín moved to Aprilia, and Prima Pramac ultimately partnered with Yamaha.
Now, Campinoti’s focus is solely on the efforts to grow with the Japanese manufacturer, aiming to reach the top. “It’s a big, beautiful challenge,” he expressed in an interview with Il Corriere della Sera. “I’m expecting a short to medium period, and I hope the results come sooner than expected. We’ve already seen some positive signs. A brand like Yamaha, which has always been the benchmark, cannot accept a secondary role. They will do everything possible to return to the top, and we will be right there with them.” Campinoti also reflected on his time with Ducati, where he was part of a project that focused on nurturing young talent. He noted that, over time, he had become just one of many within the Ducati setup, but with Yamaha, he feels they have regained their status as a central figure.
Support for Jorge Martín
Campinoti has a special bond with Martín, whom he describes as a “golden boy.” He wishes Martín all the best during this tough period, saying, “Jorge is having a very unfortunate year; everything that can go wrong is going wrong. It’s just bad luck.” Martín has suffered injuries, including a broken hand and foot, which will cause him to miss a couple of significant races, including those in Argentina and Texas. Campinoti’s sentiments are a testament to the strong relationship they share, and he hopes Martín can bounce back from this difficult stretch.
The Courtship of Gigi Dall’Igna
Campinoti remains on good terms with the Ducati staff, as evident from their interactions in Buriram. Although he has moved on, he admits to feeling a sense of loss, particularly when it comes to Gigi Dall’Igna. “It’s like missing a family member or a friend,” he confessed. “We’re professionals, and they will accept this change, just as I have. However, after all the years we spent together, it leaves a mark. Saying goodbye as champions can be difficult, but it’s also easier when you feel you’ve completed a journey.” This heartfelt admission underscores the depth of their professional and personal connection.
Campinoti also shared his perspective on how the signing of Marc Márquez by the official Ducati team came about. “Gigi is a genius. He felt gratified to have the strongest rider of the last few years on his team. Marc questioned everything for him and eventually surrendered after a long courtship. Gigi is a bit of a ‘playboy’ engineer. I wouldn’t have made this decision, but I understand it. This choice also inclined me towards Yamaha,” he revealed. This insight into the dynamics behind the scenes sheds light on the complexities of team and rider relationships in MotoGP.
The Cold War Between Rossi and Marc Márquez
Campinoti, being well-versed in the paddock’s sentiment, expressed a widely held opinion regarding Valentino Rossi’s feelings towards Marc Márquez’s successes. “It’s a cold war; someone needs to resolve it. The last person Valentino would want to see win is Marc Márquez. This can influence the atmosphere and overall tranquility, but it’s normal – it’s an open wound,” he opined. This candid assessment touches on the deeper rivalries and tensions within the MotoGP world, highlighting the psychological aspects of the sport that can significantly impact the performance and mindset of its competitors.
