Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has opened up about the state of his brand and its factory riders after two 2025 MotoGP Grands Prix in Thailand and Argentina. Marc Marquez is a hit, Pecco Bagnaia is floundering, and Ducati is dominating. Gone are the rumors of 2024, where he allegedly said "Ducati doesn't need Marc"—the boss stands by his choice and puts an end to the controversy surrounding the non-recruitment of Jorge Martin. A look back at an interview that clarifies the...
Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati, spoke to discuss his team's performance in MotoGP, the strategic choices concerning Marc Marquez and the current difficulties of Pecco Bagnaia. In an interview with GP One, Sundays lifted the veil on the behind the scenes of the management of Ducati, while reaffirming the strength of the Italian brand, both on the track and in the production motorcycle market.
The arrival of Marc Marquez in the official team Ducati for the 2025 season has been the subject of much discussion. Some rumors even suggested that Domenicali himself was reluctant to welcome the eight-time world champion, particularly because of past statements by Marquez. In 2024, when he had just joined Gresini Racing, Marquez was in the balance for the official handlebar with George Martin who seemed to be holding the rope before being pushed aside in a final twist favorable to Marc MarquezAn epilogue that had made Borgo Panigale grind its teeth.
But today, the results are there, which allows Domenicali to put the file aside to better assume the choice of recruiting Marquez. " If we have Marc with us today, it is because we made a carefully considered choice. », He explains. " This choice was carefully considered, we made it also thinking about the overall performance that we could obtain and achieve. Last year, Marquez's performance was a excellent reference, we thought about it and therefore concluded that it was a good choice »
Claudio Domenicali: “ From Qatar onwards, I think we will see a Pecco Bagnaia closer to his best level »
A confession that shows how much Ducati was able to put aside egos to focus on the essential: performance. Marquez, despite his strong character and his sometimes provocative statements, remains an outstanding driver, capable of making a difference on the track. And Ducati understood it well.
Si Marquez already seems comfortable on his Desmosedici, the situation is more complicated for his teammate, Pecco BagnaiaThe two-time world champion started the 2025 season with performances below his usual standards. Sundays does not hide that bagnaia is going through a difficult period, but he remains confident in the Piedmontese's ability to bounce back.
« I think Pecco started with two races that were not among his most notable. ", admits Sundays. " He finished winter testing with difficulties beyond his control, so we are yet to see his true potential.. » A situation that worries the team, but which does not seem to worry the CEO of Ducati. " I am convinced that for the next races, even if it is not Austin, which is a special circuit, almost made for Marc, we will witness a different championshipFrom Qatar onwards, I think we will see Pecco Bagnaia closer to his best. »
Sundays wanted to emphasize the strength of Ducati, both in competition and in the production motorcycle market. I've always considered Ducati as a combination of product and competition, so I'd say 50/50 », He explains. " The competition is going extraordinarily well, and I think that production has never been as beautiful as it is today, in terms of the combination of the beauty of the bike, technology, performance, lightness and the evolution of electronics. »
A statement that perfectly sums up the state of mind of Ducati : a brand that excels on all fronts, combining sporting performance and technological innovation. With drivers like Marquez et bagnaia, and a motorcycle as competitive as the Desmosedici, Ducati looks set to continue dominating the world of MotoGP.
Claudio Domenicali was able to recall that Ducati is much more than just a racing team. It is a brand that combines passion, technology and performance, with a clear vision for the future. If Marquez today embodies excellence on the track, bagnaia remains a rider with immense potential, capable of returning to the forefront. And with a bike as high-performance as the Desmosedici, Ducati has all the assets to continue writing MotoGP history. It remains to be seen whether other teams will ever be able to compete with this well-oiled war machine.
