Ducati sporting director Mauro Grassilli recently shared his thoughts on the current state of competition in MotoGP, particularly after a competitive race in Texas, signaling a change in Ducati's usual dynamic of dominance.
Not so long ago, the Bologna brand enjoyed a comfortable position in the MotoGP paddock, armed with two factory bikes ridden by a Pecco Bagnaia in top form and supported by two other factory machines at Pramac Racing, with Jorge Martin also in the running for the championship. In addition, four other Desmosedici stood out with notable performances in 2023.
Ducati was then at the technological forefront, with riders capable of dominating, while their private machines, such as those ridden by Fabio Di Giannantonio, could also outperform competitors. Even if KTM et Aprilia were getting closer, no real challenge to the supremacy of Ducati was imminent.
In this context, it seemed wise to focus on reducing to three teams for 2025, a strategy which seemed risk-free given the technological advance and depth of talent at Ducati. This made it possible to lose a team without compromising the dominant position.
However, 2024 marked a turning point. The technical advantage of Desmosedici has diminished, and at Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, equality between the competitors was evident, with Acosta on GASGAS KTM and Viñales that Aprilia demonstrating their competitiveness against the range Ducati.
At Ducati, we have identified the growing dangers
This awareness led Ducati to strengthen its commitment to its premium customer team, Pramac Racing, especially after the indications of George Martin on his departure in 2025. Ducati moved quickly to secure rising talent Fermin Aldeguer for Pramac, thus showing its desire to maintain a strong presence in competition.
Relayed in particular by speedweek, Mauro Grassilli affirmed to Austin that their intention was to continue in 2025 as in the past, with no reason to part ways with their excellent partners. “ We would like to continue as usual in 2025 and there is no reason to part ways with even one of our very good partners, " said Grassilli.
This indicates that Ducati is aware of the increasing challenges of competition and that it requires comprehensive strength to defend its leading position in the MotoGP paddock. Although the option of Pramac Racing to extend the collaboration for two years is not yet confirmed, discussions continue, showing the strategic importance of these partnerships for Ducati.
The MotoGP landscape is evolving, and Ducati, although still a pillar of the championship, recognizes that maintaining its supremacy will require strategic and technical adjustments, especially with regulatory changes planned for 2027.
