Ducati’s Bold Move: Embracing Criticism and Future Prospects with Marc Marquez’s Signing Amidst Silverstone Stir

Ducati's head of MotoGP operations, Gigi Dall’Igna, has acknowledged that he is open to critique regarding the decision to bring on Marc Marquez for the MotoGP season of 2025.

The outcome of the MotoGP British Grand Prix at Silverstone has sparked debate regarding Ducati's selection of riders for the 2025 racing season.

Enea Bastianini secured his inaugural Sprint victory on Saturday before going on to clinch the race win. In a thrilling conclusion to the 20-lap event on Sunday, the Italian rider overtook Jorge Martin to claim the top spot.

Ducati has released both racers for the 2025 season, with Martin moving from Bologna to Noale to team up with Aprilia, and Bastianini transferring to the Tech3 KTM squad.

The cause of their individual exits stems from Marc Marquez joining the factory Ducati team starting the next season. Marquez, who secured a fourth-place finish at Silverstone, just trailing behind Francesco Bagnaia, the rider he will partner with in the factory team, is the key factor for these changes.

Gigi Dall’Igna, the General Manager of Ducati Corse, acknowledged to Sky Sport Italy during an event at Silverstone, that he is aware of and understands the critiques directed at him and Ducati regarding their choices concerning riders.

Following Bastianini's win in Britain, and elaborating on the choice to have Marquez take his place starting in 2025, Dall'Igna expressed: "I'm truly delighted for Bastianini. Regrettably, we were in a position where we had to select one rider among three, all of whom would have been deserving of a spot on the official team. As I've consistently mentioned, making this choice was incredibly challenging, both from a professional and athletic standpoint, as well as a personal one. It's evident that I am here to face any criticism and accept it as part of the job."

In 2024, Ducati has experienced a significant boost in its racing capabilities. This year introduced a new Michelin rear tire, which has not only led to the smashing of previous lap and race records but also seems to complement the Desmosedici GP24's features more effectively than the championship-winning GP23, which Marquez rode this year.

Following the race at Silverstone, the rider with the #93 expressed to Sky Sport, "It appears that with each passing race, the gap is widening. I'm unsure if it's due to them increasing their speed, or if they've made some upgrades to the motorcycle."

Next year, Marquez's transition to the factory team implies he will be equipped with Ducati's most recent technology, which has been the top contender in MotoGP in recent years. However, Dall'Igna emphasizes that it's not guaranteed that Ducati will continue to perform at this high level.

"Every season is like starting a fresh chapter, and a lot hinges on the off-season efforts of different squads," he shared with Sky Sport. "We're already in the process of shaping new concepts, yet it's uncertain what our rivals might come up with. Nonetheless, the key is to concentrate on the present before we turn our attention to the future."

"Personally, I'm satisfied with how the motorcycle has been performing. We've maintained a high standard for quite some time and we aim to keep it up."

Explore Further

Recent Updates

Recent Updates

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying or replicating any portion of the text, images, or graphics in any manner is strictly prohibited.