Ducati’s general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, has revealed the much-anticipated news: Marc Marquez will be joining the factory team in 2025. This decision comes after a period of deliberation, with Dall’Igna admitting to sleepless nights and changes of heart.
Ultimately, Dall’Igna believes he made the right choice. With a combined eight MotoGP titles between Marquez and current factory rider Francesco Bagnaia, Dall’Igna claims this is Ducati’s strongest lineup ever. “We have the best team in the history of Ducati,” he declared to SkySport.it.
The decision wasn’t easy. Dall’Igna acknowledged the talent of both Marquez and championship leader Jorge Martin. Ideally, Ducati would have kept both riders. However, with Marquez unwilling to join the satellite Pramac team and a factory Gresini ride seemingly unavailable, Ducati went all-in for the six-time champion.
Marquez’s impressive performances on a year-old Ducati during the 2024 season ultimately swayed the decision. “The awareness, achieved in recent months, that he can make a difference with our bike,” Dall’Igna explained. This, combined with the bike’s strong performance, creates a real shot at the championship title, which Dall’Igna emphasizes as the primary goal.
Looking ahead, Dall’Igna sees little to separate Marquez and Bagnaia, the only two multiple MotoGP champions on the grid. “They are two champions,” he said. “They are determined…, They will play on equal terms.”
With Martin signing with Aprilia, speculation suggests Bagnaia’s current teammate, Enea Bastianini, will be moving to KTM via a spot with Tech3.
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