Marc Marquez's triumph at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, which gave him his ninth world title—his seventh in the premier class—has thrilled the paddock and awakened deep emotions. But behind the euphoria, one question is burning: how long will Ducati be able to rely on its jewel in the crown? Interviewed by AS, Ducati Corse CEO Luigi Dall'Igna made no secret of the fact that he is enjoying the present moment… with no guarantees about the future.
The nine-time world champion is reaching a key crossroads: his contract with Ducati expires at the end of 2026, like that of most of the MotoGP tenors. He will then have 33 years old, but no one dares to say that he is close to retirement. A former executive of Honda He even believes that the Spaniard will only stop when he feels less competitive - a horizon that still seems very distant given his current season.
Faced with this observation, Luigi Dall'Igna keep a cautious tone. He doesn't love me like a father, not that much., but we are very happy to work together " he said, a bit amused, when asked about the strength of their relationship. The Italian engineer refuses to make any projections: " In the meantime, I'm enjoying and savoring the time we spend together. Afterwards, who knows what will happen. »
The location of this conversation is not insignificant: Motegi, fief of Honda, the old house of Marquez, which saw him win six world crowns. See the Spaniard triumph in Japan, but now dressed in red Ducati, had a piquant taste for the winged builder. Dall'Igna he himself recognized it: " I have always respected all competitors, and Honda is one of the most importantBut winning in Japan always has a special flavor. »
Marc Marquez: “ When you let go, you start to fail. As long as I am active, the ambition will remain the same. »
However, Ducati knows that the threat of a return exists. Honda has reorganized, is progressing technically, and could try to seduce its former hero if the window presents itself. Dall'Igna, pragmatic, prefers to savor the moment without promising the impossible. A lucid stance... but one that leaves room for doubt.
For its part, Marc Marquez remains true to his philosophy: as long as he feels capable of fighting at the top, he continues. As long as I can make the sacrifices I make, thinking about the bike 365 days a year and progress, my career will continue. When you let go, you start to fail. As long as I am active, the ambition will remain the same. He explained.
As for his contractual future, he is waiting on AS : " we can start talking in January or February. But for me, when I'm happy somewhere and I have what I want, why change? ? Changes come when we go through difficult times., as was my case in the past »
Clear, Ducati has all the cards in hand... as long as the bike remains efficient and the environment meets its expectations.
On personal plans, Marquez also discussed his life off the track, a topic that intrigues his fans. Happily married to his partner Gemma of three years, he hinted that he plans to start a family one day, but without rushing into it: " I would like to have a little Marquez later, yes. But for now, we continue to enjoy life. »
Between a Marc Marquez become dominant again and a coat of arms Honda under reconstruction, Ducati is playing a delicate strategic game. The champion is not ruling anything out, even if he seems happy in the red camp. Luigi Dall'Igna, he chooses to savor the moment... but his hesitation betrays a sensitive point: nothing is set in stone.
Si Honda continues its progression and that Ducati knows the slightest flaw, the scenario of a spectacular return of number 93 to his former clan is nothing utopian. Ducati won in Japan, but the real match — that of the future of Marquez — is happening right now, behind the scenes.
