MotoGP | Ducati: Grassilli assures that everything is ok between Bagnaia and Marquez

While fighting for fourth place, Bagnaia and Marquez both ended up on the ground following a contact which occurred during the 23rd of the 25 laps scheduled for the long race in Portimao.

The collision was deemed a racing accident by the FIM stewards, but Marquez believed that Bagnaia was mainly to blame for an attempted crossover that he deemed unnecessary.

The incident marked the first tense moment of the season, a possibility Ducati had been warned about last year, when the eight-time world champion signed with Gresini Racing to race a year-old Desmosedici in 2024.

While both were attending the same press conference on Thursday ahead of the Americas Grand Prix, neither was asked about the incident, as the topic of the day was mainly Fabio Quartararo's renewal with Yamaha.

Speaking to Motogp.com during the second free practice session of the GP of the Americas, Grassilli said he texted them both after the crash and the response suggested they had both already moved on.

“Very simple: I sent a message to both of them, I don't remember if Monday or Tuesday, after the match,” Grassilli said when asked what he had done to defuse the situation.

“I just said, 'Hey, guys, is everything under control?' And Pecco and Marc were like, 'yeah, everything is under control, we're looking forward to COTA'. So, positive, very positive.”

In the same interview, Grassilli also spoke about the ongoing discussions between Ducati and the satellite teams VR46 and Pramac to extend their respective partnerships.

Both have reportedly been in contact with Yamaha for 2025, although Pertamina Enduro VR46 director Uccio Salucci recently told Motorsport.com that Valentino Rossi's team intends to stay with Ducati but is looking for a bike official.

Prima Pramac Racing has a clause in its current contract that provides for an automatic renewal with Ducati beyond the contract's expiration in 2024, but it could also leave if a suitable offer arrives.

“We have some open discussion tables, we are talking with VR46 and Pramac,” said Grassilli. “Our goal is to have the same situation for the future. So, my goal is to stay with Pramac and VR46 also next year and for the future.”