As the 2024 MotoGP season gears up for its final four races, all eyes are on the battle between two Ducati riders: Jorge Martín and reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia. Separated by just 10 points, the championship promises a thrilling climax, with Ducati asserting its dominance by having four riders at the top of the standings. The Italian manufacturer, which has ruled MotoGP for the past three seasons, is poised to clinch another title, but rumors of favoritism have prompted Ducati Corse CEO Gigi Dall’Igna to set the record straight.
In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dall’Igna addressed speculation that the team might favor Bagnaia over Martín. “Those who say we won’t let Jorge Martín win don’t know my track record,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to fairness and sporting integrity. “This is a sport, and it’s only right that it remains a sport. For me, the best must win.” His comments underline his dedication to ensuring an equal playing field, regardless of internal pressures or potential biases.
To maintain this competitive balance, Ducati has chosen not to introduce any further technical updates to its bikes for the remainder of the season. Bagnaia had requested the use of a new chassis tested at Misano, but Dall’Igna and his team decided to hold off, citing the impossibility of providing the upgrade to all Ducati riders in time. “The best rider should win… another person might have made other decisions,” Dall’Igna explained, reaffirming his principle of equality. The chassis update will be postponed until the official post-season test in Valencia, ensuring no advantage influences the championship outcome.
Dall’Igna also dismissed comparisons to past team rivalries, like the infamous split between Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi at Yamaha. “Then there was a wall; now they share all the data… and the work we do behind the scenes is exactly the same for Jorge and Pecco,” he clarified, highlighting Ducati’s transparent approach and collaborative environment.
The rivalry between Martín and Bagnaia has been intense but respectful, a dynamic that Dall’Igna hopes to preserve through the final races. “I will do everything to keep it that way until the end,” he affirmed, signaling that under his leadership, Ducati will not allow internal politics or favoritism to disrupt the championship fight.
Meanwhile, the MotoGP paddock is abuzz with significant personnel moves that could impact the upcoming season. Romano Albesiano, formerly Aprilia’s technical director, will join Honda HRC, while Fabiano Sterlacchini, a former Ducati engineer, is moving from KTM to Aprilia. Dall’Igna, cautious about Sterlacchini’s arrival at Aprilia, commented, “Honestly, I don’t think Sterlacchini was Aprilia’s first choice.” Regarding Albesiano’s challenge at Honda, he noted, “It’s certainly a big challenge. On an economic level, he will have more possibilities, but he will have to deal with a completely different mentality and working philosophy; I don’t think it will be easy.”
Reflecting on his own decision to reject an offer from Honda last year, Dall’Igna explained his reasons, emphasizing the challenges of building a competitive structure. “Putting a structure in place takes time, and you need the right people to express ideas, concepts, and new solutions. And this is not done overnight,” he stated, highlighting the complexities Honda faces as it looks to regain its competitive edge.
With the championship race tightening and Ducati’s CEO reaffirming his commitment to a fair fight, the MotoGP world braces for an electrifying showdown. As Martín and Bagnaia gear up for the final sprint, the pressure mounts—not just for the riders but for the entire Ducati team, which must navigate the tension while maintaining its dominance in the sport.