Ducati master engineer Gigi Dall'Igna is enjoying a brilliant start to the 2025 MotoGP season: four podiums in four races (Buriram, Termas), thanks to Marc Marquez. But a cloud hangs over Borgo Panigale: Pecco Bagnaia, two-time champion (2022-2023), is floundering. Beaten by Marc, but also by his teammates Alex Marquez and Franco Morbidelli, he wants to return to GP24 for Austin (March 27-29). Dall'Igna, during the presentation of the Panigale V4 Italia, explains: everything is going well on the bike front, but Pecco needs to wake up!
Gigi Dall'Igna, the technical genius behind the successes of Ducati in MotoGP, took the floor to analyze the contrasting beginnings of the 2025 season. While Ducati continues to dominate with four consecutive podiums (two in Sprint and two in main races), a shadow hangs over the Italian garage: the difficulties of Pecco BagnaiaThe double world champion, used to shining, seems to be in full struggle to find his best level, while Marc Marquez, newly arrived at the factory Ducati, has been stringing together impressive performances. A situation that does not escape Dall'Igna, and which could well become the hot spot of this season.
Ducati has once again proven itself to be the team to beat in MotoGP. With four podiums in two races, the Italian squad is in thriving health. Yet, behind these collective results, a problem persists: Pecco Bagnaia doesn't seem comfortable with his motorcycle. Let's say one part of the team is happy, while another has to work a little ", said Dall'Igna during the presentation of the Ducati Panigale V4 Italia. “ That's my job: I'm always there where there are problems. So I try to help those who are having the most difficulty. so that they can give the best of themselves »
bagnaia, usually so dominant, was outclassed by riders on satellite bikes, such as Alex Marquez ou Franco MorbidelliA situation that raises questions, especially since the Piedmontese is the flagship driver of the official team. We always chat after the races ", has explained Dall'Igna, evoking on GP One exchanges with bagnaia. " I prefer always wait a little after the race to analyze the problems that occurred and fully understand the type of problem encountered by the pilot. » A methodical approach, but one that has not yet borne fruit for bagnaia.
Gigi Dall’Igna: “ Third place does not belong to Pecco Bagnaia who takes the situation very seriously and seeks solutions »
Dall'Igna wanted to reassure: there is no technical problem with the motorcycle bagnaia. " Let's just say there's no problem. " he said. As always, there are problems if you reach the end of the race with a worn tire. Especially in situations like Buriram, where the conditions were really special. Obviously, it was like that for everyone, but there are always details that can make the difference »
These “details” are perhaps those that are missing from bagnaia to return to its usual level. While Marquez seems in perfect symbiosis with Desmosedici, bagnaia struggles to exploit the full potential of its machine. It is clear that he is taking the situation very seriously and is looking for solutions. ", highlighted Dall'Igna. " He does it, and so do we, because he absolutely has to go faster. Third place doesn't belong to Pecco; he can and must do betterOur goal is for him to express himself fully.. »
Marc Marquez, he doesn't seem to need any period of adaptation. The eight-time world champion immediately found his feet at Ducati, chaining victories and podiums. Ducati's policy is to provide exactly the same equipment to all riders “, he insisted. " We have demonstrated this many times, especially last year with Martin and Pecco. Marc has no different parts from the others.He has the exact same bike as the others. »
However, Marquez seems to have already found a balance that bagnaia is still looking. A situation that could worsen in Austin, a circuit where the Spaniard has always excelled. Austin is a circuit that greatly favors Marc Marquez ", recognised Dall'IgnaA prospect that could put even more pressure on bagnaia, already in difficulty.
While Ducati continues to dominate the championship, the internal rivalry between bagnaia et Marquez promises to be one of the big issues of this season. Dall'Igna and his team will have to redouble their efforts to help bagnaia to regain his level, while managing the meteoric rise of MarquezA delicate task, but necessary to maintain balance within the team.
