Ducati’s Strategic Dominance in MotoGP: A Look Ahead to 2025

As we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of MotoGP, it’s essential to recognize the pivotal role Ducati plays in shaping the future of the sport. The rise of talents such as Alex Marquez, coupled with Ducati’s commitments to promising riders like Fermin Aldeguer and Fabio Di Giannantonio, sets the stage for a groundbreaking season where the Italian manufacturer could potentially field six identical bikes in the championship.

Ducati’s Ascendancy in MotoGP

Over the past ten years, particularly since Gigi Dall’Igna took the reins as general manager, Ducati has steadily distanced itself from its competitors in MotoGP. This trajectory has led to a level of performance that appears unrivaled in both the short and medium term. The foundation of Ducati’s success lies in its meticulous approach to engineering and design, culminating in a remarkable motorcycle that maximizes its capabilities on the track.

To understand Ducati’s business model, it’s crucial to note that satellite teams pay around €2 million to lease the latest version of the Desmosedici. For previous model years, the rental fee is halved, allowing for a diverse lineup of bikes on the grid. In fact, during the 2021 season, three different model years were present simultaneously, showcasing Ducati’s extensive range of competitive machines.

The Desmosedici not only excels in performance but also serves as a strategic weapon against rival manufacturers. A notable example is Marc Marquez’s decision to forgo the final year of his contract with Honda in 2024, along with approximately €20 million in earnings, to ride a Ducati that was not even the latest iteration. After just one test with the Gresini team at Valencia, Marquez confirmed that the issues he faced at Honda were not due to his riding but rather the machinery itself. This revelation has since unfolded into a narrative of dominance as he embarks on the 2025 season with the factory team.

The Rider Dynamics of Ducati

Ducati’s current lineup features not only the best rider and bike combination but also a team that has strategically leveraged its resources. The company has been adept at attracting emerging talent by offering factory contracts, as seen with Aldeguer, while also forming strategic partnerships, such as elevating the VR46 team to factory-supported status—previously a privilege reserved for the Pramac team.

This approach has provided Ducati with a powerful bargaining chip and allowed them to position older versions of the Desmosedici with its partners. The upcoming season presents a unique opportunity for Ducati to consider fielding six identical GP26 models, a move that could solidify its dominance further.

Engine Specifications and Performance

One of the significant discussions during the recent pre-season revolved around the potential of the GP25 compared to the 2024 model, which has been labeled the ‘perfect machine.’ Following the final winter test in Thailand, Ducati made an unprecedented decision to homologate a single engine specification for all its riders. This was a significant shift from their previous approach.

Team manager Davide Tardozzi expressed concerns about the tight timeline required to implement this change, stating, "The engine will be the 2024 one for all Ducati riders. Will we make it in time? Well, all of that has to happen within eight or nine days, when normally we’d have about three weeks."

However, as the season progressed, the technical department, under Dall’Igna’s leadership, opted to create distinct engine variations. As it turned out, Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and Di Giannantonio would utilize a more refined engine version compared to Alex Marquez, Aldeguer, and Franco Morbidelli.

A Ducati spokesperson confirmed, "Yes, there are two different specifications. The one used by Marc, Pecco, and Diggia incorporates some small changes compared to the version used by Alex, Franco, and Fermin." They highlighted that while the distinctions were minor, they could significantly impact performance.

Fast forward five months, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. Marc Marquez is now dominating the championship, having secured eight double wins and ten victories across twelve races. In contrast, Alex Marquez, riding a slightly less sophisticated 2024 bike without factory support, has consistently challenged his brother, showcasing his potential.

Bagnaia, however, finds himself grappling with performance issues, struggling to regain the form that earned him championships in previous seasons. Meanwhile, Di Giannantonio aims to recover his consistency after battling injuries, while Aldeguer is making a compelling case for himself with impressive performances, including a podium finish in his rookie year. Morbidelli, who began the season strongly, has seen a decline in his pace in the latter races.

Among these riders, only Morbidelli’s contract will expire at the end of this year. Despite efforts to recruit the promising Pedro Acosta, who was eager to leave KTM, the young rider has decided to stay with his current team. Di Giannantonio remains under contract with Ducati as a factory rider until the end of 2026, while Alex Marquez has signed with Gresini, and Aldeguer has a direct agreement with the Bologna factory.

The Future of Alex Marquez

The conversation around Alex Marquez’s future is particularly intriguing. His contract does not explicitly guarantee him a ride on the GP26 next season, but his performances thus far suggest he deserves the opportunity. With the rider market opening up for 2027, negotiations between Marc Marquez and Ducati will become essential.

The first half of the current calendar has demonstrated that Alex does not need to measure himself against his brother to validate his capabilities—his speed and consistency speak volumes. However, having the support of a top-tier rider like Marc can only enhance his career trajectory.

Technical Considerations for the Upcoming Season

As we look ahead to the upcoming season, several technical factors come into play, especially considering the major regulation changes slated for 2027. Notably, the engines have been frozen since their homologation in Buriram, and with the data collected from the 2025 season, Ducati is well-positioned to decide which engine option to pursue moving forward.

The case for the more advanced engine version is compelling. This variant, utilized by Marquez, Bagnaia, and Di Giannantonio, has accrued nine wins, while the previous version used by Alex, Aldeguer, and Morbidelli has managed just one victory. For fans of the sport, witnessing all six Ducati riders compete under theoretically equal conditions would be nothing short of exhilarating.

The chasm between Ducati and its competitors is substantial, and it is widely acknowledged that it cannot be bridged within a single season. As a result, many manufacturers are likely viewing the 2026 season as a transitional period, opting not to invest excessively in a project that has a limited lifespan. The impending regulatory changes present a chance for other teams to reset, making it crucial to capitalize on that opportunity rather than exhaust resources trying to close an insurmountable gap.

Conclusion

In summary, Ducati stands at the forefront of MotoGP, poised for a remarkable season in 2025. With a lineup that includes both seasoned champions and promising talent, the Italian manufacturer is not only dominating the track but also strategically positioning itself for future success. As the competition watches closely, the dynamics of the sport are set to shift, with Ducati leading the charge into a new era of MotoGP racing.