During the Portuguese GP last month, Ducati riders Bagnaia and Marquez were involved in a collision while battling for what could have been fourth place.
Although the incident was labeled as a racing incident by the FIM stewards, Marquez of Gresini Racing felt that Bagnaia was at fault for what he perceived as an unnecessary retaliation.
This incident marked the first notable clash of the season, something that Ducati had been forewarned about when Marquez. An eight-time world champion, joined Gresini to ride a year-old Desmosedici in 2024.
Despite both riders being present at the same press conference ahead of the Americas Grand Prix, no questions were directed towards the incident.
In an interview during second practice, Ducati’s Grassilli revealed that he reached out to both riders after. The collision and received responses indicating that they had moved on from the incident.
“I sent both of them a message on Monday or Tuesday [after the race], just asking ‘hey guys, everything under control?’,” Grassilli stated. “And Pecco and Marc answered me saying ‘yes, everything under control, looking forward to COTA’. So, positive, very positive.”
Grassilli also discussed Ducati’s ongoing discussions with satellite squads VR46 and Pramac regarding extending their partnerships.
Both teams had reportedly been in talks with Yamaha for 2025, but VR46 team director. Uccio Salucci recently confirmed their intention to remain with Ducati while seeking a factory bike.
Pramac, on the other hand, has an automatic renewal clause in its current contract with. Ducati until 2024 but could explore other options if a suitable offer arises.
“We are talking with VR, we are talking with Pramac,” Grassilli stated. “Our goal is to maintain the same partnerships for the future. So, my aim is to continue with Pramac and VR46 even beyond next year.”
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