Ducati’s Dominance at Le Mans: A Look Ahead to the 2025 French Grand Prix
The Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans has long been a stronghold for Ducati’s Desmosedici motorcycles, a trend that began when Danilo Petrucci clinched victory in 2020. This win was not just a notable achievement for Petrucci; it signaled the start of a remarkable winning streak for Ducati at this prestigious venue. Over the past few years, the Italian manufacturer has seen its factory team share the podium with its independent teams, illustrating a compelling narrative of competition and teamwork.
Petrucci’s victory was followed by Jack Miller’s triumph in 2021, where he secured a win in challenging, mixed-weather conditions. His bike was unmistakably a Ducati, demonstrating the strength of the Bologna-based brand. Subsequently, the independent teams took their turns dominating the podium. Enea Bastianini, riding for Gresini, won in 2022, marking a significant high point in his career. In 2023, Marco Bezzecchi from the VR46 team showcased his skills by outperforming Francesco Bagnaia, the eventual champion, in a thrilling race. Jorge Martin, riding for Pramac, completed the hat-trick of independent victories in 2024, further emphasizing the competitive edge of Ducati’s satellite teams.
While it’s tempting to chalk up this trend to mere coincidence, several factors could explain why the factory team has been overshadowed at Le Mans in recent years. The Bugatti Circuit presents unique challenges that not all riders find easy to navigate. For instance, Bagnaia has struggled with maintaining consistent performance at this track, which demands a specific setup that deviates from the conventional. Additionally, the unpredictable weather during this time of year can significantly impact race outcomes, often favoring seasoned riders and teams that adapt quickly.
As the 2025 French Grand Prix approaches, the dynamics have shifted. Recent testing in Jerez brought improvements to the factory GP25, giving Ducati’s official riders a renewed sense of confidence. Early indications suggest that the factory team is poised to reclaim its spot at the top of the podium, especially after a promising performance during the initial practices leading up to the race.
Marc Marquez has emerged as a formidable contender, dominating the practice sessions and indicating his intent to reclaim the top spot. His experience at Le Mans will be invaluable, as he was the last rider to win here before Ducati began its recent winning streak. However, Marquez is not without vulnerabilities; he has faced challenges this season, including crashes that could affect his performance. This unpredictability could open the door for Bagnaia and his teammates to capitalize on any missteps.
Bagnaia had a solid showing in the lead-up to the race, finishing strong in practice sessions. His ability to close the gap to Marquez in the final practice session indicates that he is ready to compete at a high level. With a keen focus on improving his Friday performances—historically a weak point for him—Bagnaia is looking to position himself among the top contenders as the weekend progresses.
As for the independent teams, their recent successes have not gone unnoticed. However, the landscape has changed with Pramac transitioning to Yamaha machinery, leaving only Gresini and VR46 to challenge the factory teams. The performances of these independent teams during practice were respectable but did not match the pace set by the factory riders. Gresini’s Alex Marquez and his rookie teammate Fermin Aldeguer showed promise, but they still fell short of the factory Ducati’s speed.
VR46 faced a more challenging day, with Franco Morbidelli suffering a fall and teammate Fabio di Giannantonio struggling to find a good feeling with his bike. Di Giannantonio’s performance placed him far behind the frontrunners, making it difficult for him to replicate the success of Bezzecchi in previous years. This disparity in performance could have significant implications for the independent teams’ standings throughout the race weekend.
Ducati is also on the brink of breaking a significant record, looking to surpass Honda’s streak of 22 consecutive wins in the premier class. Achieving this milestone at Le Mans would not only bolster their reputation but also serve as a major marketing triumph. The pressure to perform is palpable, as any misstep could see Ducati slip back down the rankings, a scenario they are keen to avoid.
Weather conditions are another factor to consider as the race day approaches. The forecasts suggest potential rain, which has historically played a critical role in race outcomes. If conditions turn unpredictable, the teams that adapt most effectively will have the advantage. Ducati, with its superior performance in dry conditions, will be hoping for favorable weather to maximize their chances.
Another rider to watch closely is Fabio Quartararo, who will have the home crowd behind him. As a local favorite, Quartararo’s performance could significantly impact the race dynamics. He has shown the ability to challenge the factory teams, and with a strong finish in the previous race, the energy of the tens of thousands of fans cheering him on could provide the extra boost he needs to disrupt Ducati’s plans.
As the teams prepare for the 2025 French Grand Prix, the excitement is palpable. Ducati’s quest for dominance at Le Mans continues amidst a landscape filled with fierce competition from both factory and independent teams. With all eyes on the Bugatti Circuit, fans and competitors alike are eager to see how the unfolding drama will play out in this high-stakes race. The combination of emerging talents, seasoned veterans, and the unpredictability of racing ensures that the French Grand Prix will be a spectacle to remember.
