Navigating the Apex: Ducati’s Dominance Faces Uncertain Future Amid MotoGP Rule Changes

Ducati's final outcome predicted, with a major challenge identified

Issue highlighted that will challenge Ducati's determination

It has been forecasted that Ducati will encounter significant challenges once the new MotoGP regulations are implemented.

The Italian company has been highly successful since early 2023, breaking a 15-year drought for the top-tier championship that began with Casey Stoner.

In the upcoming season, Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, or Marc Marquez will secure Ducati's reputation for clinching the highest honor.

However, forecasts have indicated their ultimate downfall.

Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports pondered: “If you were to plot this on a graph, have we reached the peak? The optimal point? Will it begin to decline?"

"Consider Honda's past supremacy. The situation has shifted. I believe Ducati will reach its zenith next year."

“The factory team might have a chance to win all the races if Ducati makes enhancements to this motorcycle…”

In 2025, Marquez and Bagnaia will form a formidable pair for the factory team.

Nevertheless, the number of their bikes on the grid will decrease from eight to six as the Pramac satellite team is switching to Yamaha.

Hodgson went on to say, "The remarkable achievement by Ducati lies in the fact that they spent several years establishing a strong base for an excellent motorcycle. Their foundations are extremely robust, and they have meticulously adjusted and refined it."

"The other producers have not yet discovered their base model bike."

"The problem revolves around the rule change set for 2027. Should you keep investing £50 million annually or shift your focus towards the 2027 target?"

Michael Laverty praised Ducati for overcoming the difficult period that followed Stoner's 2007 championship win, which saw unsuccessful stints from both Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

“Consider the decade they spent in stagnation,” Laverty remarked.

"They gathered information, engineers, and expertise. Ducati chose not to purchase expertise from outside; instead, they cultivated it internally. They sent their engineers to university and had them work directly with their teams."

“They distributed their teams across Superbikes, World Endurance, Supersport, and MotoGP.”

"With the expansion to four teams and eight riders, they've managed to fine-tune the setup. Initially, it had plenty of power but struggled with maneuverability. By engaging in the aerodynamic competition, they pioneered several innovations."

"They revolutionized the sport. Reflecting on the recruitment of Gigi Dall’Igna, it’s clear they structured the team with him as the cornerstone."

"Ducati has achieved success through their unique approach, and now they are enjoying their moment of glory. They have truly earned this recognition, becoming the benchmark that others aspire to reach. It's a brilliant engineering accomplishment."

Why wasn't KTM able to compete with Ducati?

Pol Espargaro's wildcard entry at Misano last weekend highlighted that KTM still needs significant improvements before they can consistently rival Ducati.

“It indicates KTM's current status,” Laverty mentioned.

"They should make the most of Pol's abilities whenever possible."

"From the recent race, we discovered that Pol still possesses both his speed and determination. Despite riding a new bike, there were moments when he was the fastest KTM on the track."

"The aerodynamics appeared to have changed. KTM must improve. We had anticipated that they would close the gap with Ducati this season, but in reality, their lap times have actually fallen further behind."

"When comparing race times overall with this year, KTM is significantly further behind the winners."

Pedro Acosta's strong performance at the start of the season has declined.

Next year, KTM will have Acosta and Brad Binder joining their factory team.

The newly rebranded Tech3 KTM team will receive factory support, featuring riders Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales on their bikes.

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