Ducati General Director Gigi Dall’Igna says the decision to reduce the number of MotoGP factory bikes to three in 2025 is “the best compromise” for the brand.
In recent years, Ducati has committed to fielding four factory-spec bikes in its factory team and the Pramac satellite team, while the rest of the structure relies on one-year-old machines.
But in 2025, after the switch from Pramac to Yamaha, Ducati will only use three factory bikes for Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio from VR46.
At the British Grand Prix, Dall’Igna said that Ducati considered this to be the best move for the brand as its starting grid would be reduced to six bikes.
He also noted that he does not believe it is necessary for new riders to ride factory machines from the start due to the pressure involved.
“In the end we reduced the total number of bikes because we went from eight to six bikes. The best compromise for us was to have three and three: three factory bikes and three annual bikes,” he told motogp.com.
“This is the best compromise for us and I think it is also important because the reason why we would like to have a satellite team is to increase the number of drivers.
Gigi Dall’Igna, Sepang MotoGP test, February 7th
“And in the end, the new riders don’t need an official bike, because an official bike means more pressure. That’s why it’s sometimes better to start with the bike from the previous year.”
When asked about the fact that the competitors will have four factory bikes next year, Dall’Igna added: “We are not relaxed. We want to win and we have to do our best to maintain the potential of the bike.”
“But I don’t think having four official motorcycles is that important for the performance of the official riders.
“Even with last year’s bike, we can evolve and understand which path we need to take to improve the bike.”
Ducati’s decision to scale back its factory offering means that Fermin Aldeguer will ride a 2024cc bike on his Gresini debut next year, despite originally being expected to ride a 2025cc machine at Pramac when he signed directly with the manufacturer earlier this year.
