Alex Márquez made a sensational start to the 2025 MotoGP season, securing back-to-back P2 finishes behind his brother Marc Márquez in Thailand 🇹🇭. His Gresini Ducati GP24 proved its competitiveness, with fellow satellite rider Franco Morbidelli (VR46) also impressing in P4.
🏆 Factory vs. Satellite Ducati: What’s the Difference?
The factory Ducati Lenovo Team—represented by Marc Márquez & Francesco Bagnaia—currently runs machines closer than ever in spec to the satellite teams. However, some key differences remain:
✅ GP24 Engine to be Used for GP25 🔧
✅ Factory Team Starts with 2024 Chassis & Aero 🏎️
*✅ Upgrades Allowed Throughout the Season ⏳
*✅ Factory Bikes Have Slight Swingarm Advantage 🏁
🗣️ Alex Márquez on the GP24 vs. GP25 Machines
💬 “The version we have is the one they used until Austria last year. There are some small differences, but we have great tools to fight in many races. Over one lap, the gap isn’t big. But in a long race, they have a small advantage.”
To put it in perspective, Austria was Round 11 of 20 last year, meaning the satellite teams are riding a significantly newer spec than the GP23 models used last season.
🔍 Key Performance Factor: Michelin Tyre Compatibility
A major advantage of the GP24 is its design tailored for the latest Michelin rear tyre construction 🛞, unlike the GP23, which was built for the previous tyre tech. This could be a game-changer for the satellite teams.
⚙️ What’s Next? Jerez Test & Future Upgrades
Ducati Corse GM Gigi Dall’Igna confirmed that more technical developments are on the way:
🗣️ “There are some differences in details between factory and satellite bikes. We have other upgrades planned, which we will test at Jerez after the next four races.”
🏁 Ducati Grid Changes for 2025
With Pramac switching to Yamaha, Ducati now has six riders instead of eight this season:
🔴 Factory Ducati GP25 Riders:
🏍️ Marc Márquez
🏍️ Francesco Bagnaia
*🏍️ Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46)
🔵 Satellite Ducati GP24 Riders:
🏍️ Alex Márquez (Gresini)
🏍️ Franco Morbidelli (VR46)
*🏍️ Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini)
👀 With the GP24 proving to be highly competitive, will Ducati’s satellite riders challenge for victories this season? Let us know your thoughts below in the comments! 💭👇
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