Ducati chief executive Gigi Dall'Igna recently defended the Italian manufacturer's decision to reduce its involvement to just three factory bikes for the 2025 MotoGP season. The reduction, which follows the end of the two-decade relationship between Ducati and the Pramac satellite team, does not worry Dall'Igna, who believes that this strategy will not compromise the brand's performance. An optimism which leaves his World Champion Pecco Bagnaia doubtful…
Currently, Ducati dominates the grid with eight motorcycles distributed among its factory teams, Pramac, VR46, and Gresiniincluding four are machines GP24 latest generation. However, with the departure of Pramac toward Yamaha in 2025, the number of motorcycles Ducati will go to six, of which only three will be factory models. VR46 will inherit a single factory motorcycle, compared to two for Pramac currently.
Dall'Igna justifies this reduction by explaining that it is a “ best compromise " For Ducati, emphasizing that satellite teams are also essential for training new pilots. He says a new rider doesn't necessarily need a factory bike, which could add unnecessary pressure. According to him, starting with a motorcycle from the previous year may be more judicious.
Furthermore, managing eight motorcycles on the grid represents a considerable cost. By reducing this number, Ducati can allocate more resources to other areas, such as the development of new technologies or marketing. Fewer motorcycles to manage also means simplified logistics and reduced transport costs. Finally, focusing on three official motorcycles, Ducati can devote more resources to its core drivers, including Pecco Bagnaia et Marc Marquez.
With this approach, Dall'Igna remains convinced that Ducati will be able to continue to develop and remain competitive. “ We would like to win and we must do our best to try to maintain the potential of the bike,” he said. He adds that even with a bike from the previous year, the team can find ways to improve the Desmosedici.
Pecco Bagnaia worries more about Ducati than Gigi Dall'Igna
However, not everyone shares this optimism. Pecco Bagnaia, double champion MotoGP and one of the main pilots of Ducati, expressed concerns about the reduction in factory motorcycles. According to him, fewer motorcycles means less data to analyze, which could complicate the development and improvement of the motorcycle. “ Four bikes give you more data, you understand more things, " highlighted bagnaia. He also added that during testing it is easier to split the work between four drivers, allowing more ground to be covered in terms of development.
The three official riders will have to take greater responsibility in the development of the bike and provide maximum feedback to the engineers. Meanwhile, other manufacturers could take advantage of this situation to reduce the gap with Ducati. Since, both at Yamaha that Honda, KTM ou Aprilia, four latest generation motorcycles are announced in 2025. Or one more than Ducati.
In 2025, Ducati will supply factory motorcycles to Bagnaia, Marc Marquez et Fabio DiGiannantonio, who recently extended his contract with VR46. On the other hand, the other drivers Ducatias an Franco Morbidelli, Alex Marquez, and the rookie Fermin Aldeguer, will drive GP24s from the previous year.
Si Gigi Dall'Igna believes that this decision is the best compromise for Ducati, Pecco Bagnaia expresses reservations. This decision to reduce factory motorcycles is a strategic bet on the part of Ducati. If it allows the Italian brand to rationalize its costs and concentrate on the essentials, it could also represent a risk in terms of performance.
It is still too early to say whether this decision will have a significant impact on the performance of Ducati. However, it is clear that the Italian brand will enter a new phase from 2025. What is certain is that during this time, competitors will maintain or increase their number of factory motorcycles on the grid in 2025.
