Axel Bassani has stated quite clearly that he believes that he deserves a ride in a factory WorldSBK team and his recent performances back up his bold statements.

Axel Bassani has been the top independent WorldSBK rider so far this season and has impressed many throughout the 2023 season. However, he believes that he may not have done enough to impress the Aruba.it Racing Ducati squad.

Bassani is currently fifth in the WorldSBK Championship and has two podiums to his name so far this year. The young Italians name has been mentioned when it comes to who will be partnering Alvaro Bautista in the factory squad for the 2024 season. But it seems like Bassani may have missed out.

In an interview with GPOne Bassani said who he believes will get the second factory Ducati ride next year, and surprisingly he did not back himself.

"I never complained about my bike," Bassani told GPOne. "The thing is, I’d feel ready to make the jump. I say this because I don’t want to settle, and I aim high. Nevertheless, my team is fantastic. They give their all and I can’t say anything about it."

When asked about the factory Ducati ride for 2024 Bassani stated he believes Nicolo Bulega 'holds all the cards.'

"I read that [Bulega is the favourite]. I don’t think Michael [Rinaldi] is having a good time, and I understand that since there’s a lot of pressure on him. Bulega is winning and has all the cards. If he does, he deserves it."

Bassani is yet to put pen to paper on a deal for the 2024 season and has been linked with the factory Honda and Kawasaki squad for next year. Yet Motocorsa Ducati have made Bassani their top priority when it comes to their rider lineup for next season.