It has been one of the hottest topics of debate within the paddock over the last couple weeks, and at the OR Grand Prix of Thailand, we saw it in full effect. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) was thriving in the wet conditions during the latter stages of Sunday’s race, looking likely to take a podium, that was until he encountered Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team).
Unless you have been living under a rock the past few months, you will know that Pecco is in a fiercely contested title fight with reigning Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™). Just two points separate the pair atop the standings, but it could have been more had Zarco not taken the bigger picture into account.
The Frenchman looked to have stronger pace than a third-placed Bagnaia, but he opted against overtaking his factory counterpart and settled in for fourth place while also helpfully combatting Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) who finished in P5.
Zarco’s approach was the direct opposite to what Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) had done in the weeks previous, first attempting to take the win on the last lap against Bagnaia in Misano, before successfully beating his compatriot to the chequered flag on the final lap in Aragon. It sparked plenty of debate around the team orders situation within the Borgo Panigale factory, and it was once again a topic of conversation on Sunday.
On the other side of the Pramac box, Jorge Martin told Marca that if he were in the same situation, he would chase down the podium.
"For Ducati it was better for Bagnaia to finish 3rd and even win the race, but, in the end, we are in a World Championship and I would have fought for the podium," he told the Spanish publication before adding: "If it's a sixth or eighth place, there's no need to beat him, but for a podium it's worth it, especially if you have the pace to win."
It seems that the opinions of those riding the Desmosedicis are split, with Thai GP poleman Marco Bezzecchi admitting he wouldn’t "attack his friend," purely to avoid a "disaster." Bagnaia’s factory teammate Jack Miller has always seemed happy to operate as an on track bodyguard to the Italian, but his recent form has now seen him enter the title conversation, albeit as an outside bet.
"Now there are five of us who are very close. There are only three races left and it won't be easy, but it's become fun," the Australian said, perhaps hinting he’ll be giving everything he can to leave Ducati as a World Champion.
Team boss Davide Tardozzi also got involved in the matter, stating that as of now, riders are under no direct instructions.
"At the moment, there are no team orders. But it's quite clear that if it's the last race, if Bastianini or Miller no longer have a mathematical chance to win and 'Pecco' has a chance to be there fighting with Fabio... why not? Why not?"
As things are going, there are five riders in with a realistic chance of being crowned World Champion. Three of those are on Ducati machinery. Are we going to see the Bologna bullets turn on each other all in the name of glory? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s certainly what Fabio Quartararo and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) will be hoping for.
For now, all focus switches to Australia, where Phillip Island lies in wait on the 16th of October. Make sure you tune in then.