In a pivotal moment for Ducati’s MotoGP campaign, the team faces a critical decision regarding the engine configuration for the upcoming 2025 and 2026 seasons. The choice between retaining the current 2024 engine or adopting a newly developed 2025 version has been described as a “50/50” dilemma by key figures within the team. This decision carries significant weight due to the recent announcement of a motor freeze until 2027, making the selected engine configuration a long-term commitment.
The Decision-Making Process
Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Márquez, Ducati’s premier riders, are at the forefront of this decision. Both have been actively involved in testing and evaluating the performance characteristics of the two engine options. The final day of testing in Sepang is anticipated to be crucial, as it will provide the necessary data to inform their choice. Bagnaia has emphasized the importance of this decision, noting that while the new engine shows promise, there is still room for improvement, particularly in braking performance. Márquez, on the other hand, has highlighted the progress made during testing and the significance of making the right choice for the team’s future success.
Implications of the Engine Freeze
The motor freeze until 2027 means that the engine configuration selected now will be the foundation of Ducati’s performance for the next several seasons. This adds pressure to the decision-making process, as any shortcomings in the chosen engine could have long-term consequences. Therefore, thorough testing and careful consideration are paramount to ensure that the selected engine aligns with the team’s competitive objectives.
Recent Testing Outcomes
Recent testing sessions have provided mixed results for Ducati. In Sepang, Franco Morbidelli led the timesheets, while Bagnaia recovered from a morning crash to finish fifth. Márquez experienced a fall and concluded the session in 14th place. These outcomes underscore the challenges the team faces in optimizing their machinery and the critical nature of the engine decision.
Strategic Considerations
Beyond immediate performance metrics, Ducati must consider the broader strategic implications of their engine choice. The selected engine will influence not only the factory team’s prospects but also those of satellite teams and riders who rely on Ducati machinery. A well-chosen engine could enhance Ducati’s dominance in the championship, while a misstep could provide opportunities for competitors.
The Context Behind Ducati’s Dilemma
Ducati’s conundrum stems from the upcoming engine homologation freeze, which will lock in manufacturers’ engine specifications for the next two seasons. In recent years, Ducati has been at the forefront of MotoGP’s technical evolution, often pushing the envelope in aerodynamics, ride-height devices, and power unit advancements. However, this period of experimentation is now constrained by the new regulatory framework.
For the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Ducati must make a definitive choice: either continue with the refined and race-proven 2024 engine or gamble on the new 2025 prototype. The difficulty lies in the fact that MotoGP regulations allow no mid-season engine upgrades once the selection is made, barring reliability fixes.
For a manufacturer like Ducati—renowned for its aggressive R&D approach—this freeze poses a significant challenge. If the 2025 engine underperforms, Ducati risks losing the performance edge they have held over rivals such as KTM, Aprilia, and Honda. Conversely, playing it safe with the 2024 version could mean losing out on untapped potential improvements.
Bagnaia vs. Márquez: Diverging Preferences?
Two key riders—reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia and six-time MotoGP champion Marc Márquez—are central to this decision. Their feedback will be crucial in determining Ducati’s path forward.
Francesco Bagnaia’s Perspective
Bagnaia, who secured back-to-back titles with Ducati in 2022 and 2023, is naturally inclined toward stability. His familiarity with the current engine means he understands its strengths and weaknesses in race conditions. In early tests, Bagnaia has pointed out that the 2025 prototype still needs improvements, particularly in braking stability and turning ability—areas where Ducati traditionally excels.
“Choosing the right engine is not just about power; it’s about making the bike more manageable over a full race distance,” Bagnaia stated after Sepang testing. “Right now, I feel comfortable with what we have, but we still need to analyze the data.”
Bagnaia’s hesitance stems from the understanding that an entirely new engine might bring unforeseen handling issues, particularly in long races where tire wear becomes a factor.
Marc Márquez’s Perspective
On the other side of the garage, Marc Márquez—who recently made the switch from Honda to Ducati’s satellite team (Gresini Racing)—is a wildcard in this decision. Márquez, known for his aggressive riding style and willingness to adapt, has expressed interest in exploring the new 2025 engine.
In recent comments, Márquez acknowledged that Ducati’s engineers have made progress with the prototype. However, he also admitted that, despite the promise it shows, more work is needed to refine its characteristics.
“My approach is always the same—push every option to its limit and see where we can improve,” Márquez said. “We need to make sure the final decision is the best for all Ducati riders, not just me or Pecco.”
Márquez’s role in this decision is significant. Unlike Bagnaia, he is not part of Ducati’s factory team, but his input still holds considerable weight, especially given his track record as one of the most successful riders in MotoGP history.
How This Decision Affects Ducati’s Satellite Teams
Beyond the factory Ducati team, this engine choice will also impact Ducati’s satellite teams: Pramac Racing, Gresini Racing, and VR46 Racing. Ducati’s dominance in MotoGP has been bolstered by its ability to provide competitive machinery to multiple teams, effectively flooding the grid with fast bikes.
Johann Zarco, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Marco Bezzecchi—all Ducati riders—will also have to adapt to whichever engine configuration is chosen. A more aggressive 2025 engine could benefit some riders while disadvantaging others who rely on consistency and familiarity.
The Broader MotoGP Landscape: What Are Rivals Doing?
Ducati isn’t the only manufacturer facing engine decisions ahead of the 2025 season. Yamaha, Honda, KTM, and Aprilia are all making similar assessments, but Ducati’s situation is unique due to its current dominance in the championship.
- KTM: The Austrian manufacturer has been rapidly improving and is expected to challenge Ducati in 2025. Brad Binder and Jack Miller have been vocal about KTM’s improved power delivery, suggesting that Ducati cannot afford to make a misstep.
- Honda: After losing Marc Márquez, Honda has struggled to find consistency. However, rumors suggest they are working on a major engine overhaul for 2025 in an attempt to become competitive again.
- Yamaha: With only Fabio Quartararo keeping them afloat, Yamaha desperately needs an engine breakthrough. Their development path will likely differ from Ducati’s, focusing on improving acceleration and grip.
- Aprilia: The Italian manufacturer has been Ducati’s closest competitor in recent years, and their decision to retain their current engine architecture could make them an immediate threat if Ducati falters.
The Final Decision: When Will Ducati Make the Call?
With the final pre-season tests taking place, Ducati is expected to make a decision within the coming weeks. The Sepang tests provided valuable insights, but Ducati’s engineers will continue analyzing telemetry data before arriving at a final conclusion.
Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati’s general manager, has stated that the decision will not be rushed. “This is one of the most important choices we will make in recent years,” he said. “We must balance performance, reliability, and rider confidence.”
It is likely that Ducati will gather input from all its riders before finalizing the choice. While Bagnaia and Márquez hold the most influence, Ducati’s engineers will also rely on feedback from test rider Michele Pirro and satellite team representatives.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Ducati
MotoGP history is filled with defining moments where a single decision shaped the trajectory of a team’s success. Ducati’s 50/50 dilemma is one such moment. Whether they choose to refine their existing 2024 engine or embrace the 2025 prototype, the repercussions will be felt across multiple seasons.
If Ducati makes the right choice, they could extend their dominance well into the future. However, a wrong decision could open the door for KTM, Aprilia, or even a resurgent Honda to reclaim MotoGP glory.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Ducati’s final decision—a choice that could determine the fate of MotoGP for years to come.