In a striking revelation from the Montmeló paddock, Ducati’s technical mastermind Gigi Dall’Igna confirmed that Marc Márquez will test both a 2023 and 2025-spec bike during his debut MotoGP outing. Known for his engineering brilliance and strategic foresight, Dall’Igna has been instrumental in Ducati’s dominance in MotoGP, securing three riders’ titles in four years. Despite Ducati’s success, including Jorge Martín’s championship win with Pramac Racing, Dall’Igna’s decisions have sparked debate about the future direction of the Bologna-based powerhouse.
The Márquez Experiment: Testing Ducati’s Limits
Dall’Igna’s announcement to provide Márquez with two distinct bike configurations reflects Ducati’s commitment to tailoring its machinery to one of the sport’s greatest talents. By testing both a proven 2023 bike and an advanced 2025 prototype, Ducati aims to help Márquez adapt quickly while laying the groundwork for future development.
“It’s about finding the balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term progress,” Dall’Igna remarked. “Marc’s integration into the team is a unique challenge, and we’re leaving no stone unturned.”
A Season of Contrasts: Martín Triumphs, Ducati Official Team Falls Short
Jorge Martín’s championship with the Pramac satellite team marked a bittersweet moment for Ducati. While Martín’s success underscores the strength of the Desmosedici GP23, it also highlighted the official team’s shortfall as Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning champion, fell just short of defending his crown.
“It’s a different feeling when a private team wins the title,” Dall’Igna admitted. “Victory is crucial for the brand, but our priority is sustained competitiveness across all teams. This season has proven that Ducati remains a dominant force in MotoGP.”
Despite Martín’s title, Dall’Igna defended the controversial decision to prioritize Márquez and Bagnaia over retaining Martín in the factory team.
“We knew Martín had the potential to become world champion. That didn’t surprise us. But the system made it impossible to keep all three riders on equal terms. We made the best choice given the circumstances.”
The “System” Behind Ducati’s Decisions
Dall’Igna alluded to the challenges of managing top-tier talent within the MotoGP ecosystem, describing the “system” as the driving force behind Ducati’s rider lineup decisions.
“By ‘system,’ I mean the constraints of managing riders who all want to be in the factory team. Any other combination would have been unworkable,” Dall’Igna explained. “Our goal was to keep all three, but ultimately, we had to make a call, and we stand by it.”
This pragmatic approach reflects Ducati’s broader strategy of ensuring long-term brand strength while navigating the complexities of rider management in MotoGP’s high-stakes environment.
Márquez’s Arrival: A New Chapter for Ducati
As Márquez prepares to step onto Ducati machinery, expectations are sky-high. The eight-time world champion joins a team that has redefined MotoGP dominance. However, integrating a rider of Márquez’s caliber presents unique challenges, especially with the spotlight on his partnership with Bagnaia.
Dall’Igna remains optimistic:
“Marc brings an unparalleled level of experience and determination. Testing two bike configurations will allow us to fine-tune our approach and ensure he feels at home on Ducati.”
The Bigger Picture: Ducati’s Enduring Legacy
Despite the complexities of the 2024 season, Dall’Igna emphasized the importance of sustaining Ducati’s legacy as a MotoGP powerhouse.
“For Ducati and our sponsors, the priority is remaining competitive year after year. We’re not just chasing titles—we’re building a system that ensures we’re always in the fight,” Dall’Igna concluded.
As Ducati looks to 2025, the arrival of Márquez and the continued development of its cutting-edge bikes signal an era of bold ambitions and calculated risks. While the decisions of 2024 may have been polarizing, the results could solidify Ducati’s dominance for years to come.