Ducati’s record-breaking 2024 MotoGP campaign may not represent the peak of their dominance, according to factory Honda rider Luca Marini. Despite a stellar season in which Ducati won 19 of 20 races, including locking out the podium 14 times, Marini believes the combination of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez in the 2025 season could propel Ducati to even greater heights.
Ducati’s performance in 2024, which saw them claim a fifth consecutive constructors’ title and a third straight riders’ championship, has been hailed as one of the best seasons in the history of MotoGP. “Best bike in history, for sure. They made a fantastic job,” Marini told Crash.net, reflecting on Ducati’s success.
However, with the number of Ducati bikes on the grid reduced from eight to six for 2025, and reigning champion Jorge Martin making the move to Aprilia, Marini predicts that the pairing of Bagnaia and Marquez will create even more intense competition within the team, pushing both riders to their limits.
“I don’t think 2024 was the peak,” Marini said. “With Pecco and Marc together, they will push each other to improve themselves. If Aprilia and KTM can’t match Ducati’s level, we could see just the two of them fighting for victory in every race.”
Honda’s focus for next season will be on closing the gap to Ducati, as Marini acknowledged that they are not currently in a position to challenge for the top spot. “As Honda, we will not be able to fight with Ducati next year. We have to wait. Our target is to beat the other manufacturers,” Marini said.
Ducati’s dominance in 2024 has already surpassed even Honda’s legendary 2003 season, where they won 15 of 16 races led by Valentino Rossi. However, looking back even further, Marini pointed out Honda’s perfect season in 1997, where they swept all 15 Grand Prix victories in the 500cc era.
With the addition of Marquez to Ducati’s already formidable roster alongside Bagnaia, Marini hinted that the upcoming season might see Ducati push closer to an unbeaten campaign. Despite their near-perfect performance last season, Ducati faced challenges in specific races, with Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales claiming victory at COTA and KTM’s Pedro Acosta securing a win in the Sprints.
The 2025 season will also see changes with Aprilia and KTM, as Vinales moves to Tech3 KTM and Aleix Espargaro retires from full-time competition to join HRC as a test rider. Marco Bezzecchi, Marini’s former VR46 teammate, will join Martin at Aprilia, while Acosta steps up to the factory KTM team alongside Brad Binder.
With Ducati’s continued evolution and the rivalry between Bagnaia and Marquez set to unfold, the 2025 MotoGP season promises to be one of the most competitive yet.
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