**Ducati’s Marquez Gamble: Dall’Igna Embraces Criticism Amid Controversial Rider Decisions for 2025 MotoGP Season**

Ducati's MotoGP leader acknowledges the 'criticism' regarding Marc Marquez's contract

Gigi Dall’Igna, the technical chief of Ducati, has confessed that he "accepts criticism" about bringing Marc Marquez on board for the 2025 MotoGP season.

The outcome of the MotoGP British Grand Prix at Silverstone has led to speculation about Ducati's rider selection for the 2025 season.

Enea Bastianini emerged victorious in the race, securing his inaugural Sprint win on Saturday. The Italian rider chased down and overtook Jorge Martin in the final laps of the 20-lap race on Sunday.

Ducati has released both of its riders for the 2025 season. Martin will be moving from Bologna to Noale to race with Aprilia, while Bastianini will join the Tech3 KTM team.

The reason they are leaving is due to Marc Marquez joining the factory Ducati team next season. Marquez, who placed fourth at Silverstone, will team up with Francesco Bagnaia in the factory garage next year.

At Silverstone, Gigi Dall’Igna, the General Manager of Ducati Corse, spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport, expressing that he recognizes and understands the criticism directed at him and Ducati regarding their choices about riders.

Following Bastianini's triumph in the British race and in light of the choice to replace him with Marquez starting in 2025, Dall’Igna expressed his thoughts: “I am overjoyed for Bastianini. Sadly, we had to select just one rider among three, although each of them deserved a spot on the official team. As I've consistently mentioned, the decision was extremely challenging not only from a professional and sporting perspective but also on a personal level. It's evident that I'm prepared to face any criticism and take it in stride.”

Ducati has made significant strides in performance in 2024. A new Michelin rear tire introduced this year has led to a notable decrease in lap and race times. This tire seems to complement the features of the Desmosedici GP24 more effectively than the GP23, the previous title-winning model currently being ridden by Marquez.

Following the race at Silverstone, rider number 93 mentioned to Sky Sport, "It feels like we're falling behind more and more with each race. I'm not sure if it's because the other teams are just increasing their speed or if they've added some upgrades to their bikes."

Marquez joining the factory team next year ensures he will have access to the newest Ducati machinery, which has been the top-performing gear in MotoGP in recent years. However, Dall’Igna cautions that Ducati's ability to sustain this high level of performance is not guaranteed.

"Every year feels like starting a fresh chapter, and much hinges on the offseason efforts of each team," he mentioned to Sky Sport. "We are already working on some concepts, but it's unpredictable what our rivals might come up with. The key is to concentrate on the present, and we'll worry about the future when the time comes."

"I’m personally satisfied with how the motorcycle is performing. We've maintained a high standard for a considerable period and aim to keep it up."

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