Ducati’s general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, has stated that it will be “impossible” for the Italian manufacturer to replicate its dominant performance in the 2024 MotoGP season when it comes to locking out the top positions in races.
Ducati had an exceptional year in 2024, winning 19 out of 20 Grand Prix races and securing the Constructors’ Championship. Jorge Martin clinched his first MotoGP world title, becoming Ducati’s third world champion rider, after a fierce title battle with teammate Francesco Bagnaia.
Ducati riders were a force to be reckoned with in 2024, locking out the podium on 14 occasions and securing a total of 53 podium finishes across six of its eight riders. In one standout moment, Ducati riders claimed the top eight spots in the Thailand Sprint race, while the Japanese Grand Prix saw them dominate with the top five and six positions.
However, despite the marque’s dominance, Dall’Igna predicts that sustaining such results will become much harder in 2025. Ducati faces a development freeze as it, along with all non-concession manufacturers, prepares for the 2027 regulation changes. The reduction in the number of factory bikes, down from four to three, adds another challenge.
“Next year it will be impossible to get results like Japan (top five) and Australia,” Dall’Igna told Australian MCN. “Even monopolising the podium like we have lately will be more difficult. Ducati has done well in sporting terms with these results.”
Dall’Igna also acknowledged the increasing competition from rivals, particularly Honda and Yamaha, who benefit from concessions. He added, “The others have many advantages, especially Honda and Yamaha.” “I expected we would have to suffer more this season. That’s why we took more risks at the start of the year, knowing that the others could progress while we couldn’t. Our risk paid off.”
The 2025 season will see Francesco Bagnaia joined by Marc Marquez in the factory Ducati squad, while the final GP25 bike will go to VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Despite the challenges ahead, Dall’Igna remains confident in Ducati’s strength, attributing much of the success to the hard work of the Ducati Corse staff. “Every time I perceive a slight reduction in performance or that the gap with the others is closing, I push my guys significantly,” he said.
