This leg of the MotoGP calendar has so far demonstrated one thing: without Marc Marquez, Ducati is falling back into the mediocrity of its younger years: the Australian Grand Prix red alert has been triggered. The Phillip Island wind has swept away more than just dust from the kerbs: it has shaken an empire.
Without Marc Marquez, hurt, Ducati signed at Phillip Island its worst Saturday in years, revealing the extent to which the red brand now depends on the Catalan genius. This Australian Grand Prix 2025 was an electroshock: the manufacturer that had been crushing everything for six years suddenly seemed... ordinary.
It was Ducati's weakest Saturday since 2020. The numbers are relentless: no Ducati on the front row for the first time since Valencia 2020. No podium in the Sprint—a first since the format was introduced in 2023.
The best Desmosedici? The one from Fabio Di Giannantonio, fifth. Alex Marquez, victim of two falls in Q2, could do no better than sixth. As for Pecco Bagnaia, he sank: penultimate of the Sprint, just in front of the brand's test pilot Michele Pirro, good last.
The test pilot ducati, usually measured, did not take gloves after the race: " Pecco isn't wasting time in any particular sector; he's slow everywhere. This is a situation that absolutely needs to be improved. But for now, we don't have a solution. »
And to add, lucidly: " it's not the level of the bike nor that of PeccoMy role is to understand why this instability occurs. Phillip Island is full of bumps and dead zones. This is not an excuse, but a real problem. »
Even Bagnaia did not try to disguise his dismay: " It's true that you have a solid bike when everything works. But that's not the case today. My Ducati was shaking in every corner, I couldn't drive, I was just a passenger »
Alex Marquez also pointed out unfortunate choices: “ I made a mistake with the medium front tire. After four laps, I knew it was the wrong choice. We tried adjustments after my falls, but it only got worse.We had the pace for the podium, but from 10th place it was impossible. »
A tough #TissotSprint for Ducati who for the first time won't have a bike on the podium 👀#AustralianGP 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/XW2Ga4KH9x
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) October 18, 2025
Disoriented Ducati riders and a bike that has become capricious: " our rivals are progressing faster than us »
Since the reform of the concession system in 2024, Ducati is the only manufacturer without technical privileges: "We have no more tires to test, no more days of testing, nothing left »Deplores Pirro.
Meanwhile, Honda, Yamaha Aprilia and KTM are taking full advantage of the advantages granted by Dorna to catch up. And according to Pol Espargaro (KTM test rider), the effect is already visible: " It's nice to see the Hondas and Yamahas getting fast again, and some Ducatis struggling. Concessions are bearing fruit »
By Giannantonio coward : " our rivals are progressing faster than us ". The pilot VR46 summed up what the whole paddock was thinking: " We have a great project, but others are moving faster. Competitors' new parts are working better than ours. Ducati needs to wake up and come up with new ideas. » A clear warning for Borgo Panigale: domination is no longer a given.
Phillip Island is perhaps only an accident, an atypical circuit where the Ducati loses its splendor. But the symbol is strong: Without Marc Marquez, Ducati has no plan B.
The Catalan champion carried the brand throughout the 2025 season, turning every race into a demonstration. Deprived of him, the Italian brand found itself naked, vulnerable, almost banal.
Pirro nevertheless wants to believe it: " Ducati recently won with Pecco. That's sport: you have to fall to come back stronger.. » But the truth is there: Phillip Island exposed the flaws of the red giant. The myth of invincibility Ducati just cracked — and the whole paddock saw it.
Phillip Island 2025 will go down in history not for a red victory, but for a lesson: without Marc Marquez, Ducati becomes human againAnd if the Italian brand does not react quickly, the hunt is open.
MotoGP, Australia Day 2, Starting Grid:
MotoGP, Australia J2, Sprint ranking:
