After an extraordinary 2024 MotoGP season, where Ducati claimed 19 out of 20 race wins and secured both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ titles, the Italian manufacturer finds itself facing a new set of challenges as it enters the 2025 season. Despite their overwhelming success, Ducati’s General Manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, has recently opened up about the significant changes taking place within the team, including a reduced factory presence, departures of key riders, and the evolving competitive landscape. With other manufacturers intensifying their efforts to challenge Ducati’s supremacy, the road ahead will be anything but easy.
The 2024 MotoGP season marked a historic year for Ducati, as it continued to build on the success of previous seasons. Dominating almost every race, Ducati’s performance was unparalleled, with the team finishing on top in both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ standings. Their success was driven not only by the exceptional riding talent of their team, but also by the engineering prowess of Ducati’s technical department under the leadership of Gigi Dall’Igna.
Dall’Igna’s efforts to continually evolve Ducati’s machinery have turned the Italian marque into a formidable force on the track. However, as he reflected on this unprecedented success, he also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead in the 2025 season. “While we are proud of what we’ve achieved, the MotoGP landscape is always changing. We must remain vigilant and adapt to new challenges, including changes to our factory presence and rider lineups,” Dall’Igna explained. Ducati’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve will be crucial as it navigates a rapidly evolving competitive field.
One of the biggest changes for Ducati will be the departure of MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martín, who will be making the transition to Aprilia in 2025. Martín’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. Speaking candidly on the Tengo un Plan podcast, the Spanish rider opened up about the hurdles he’s overcome in his career, from the pressures of living up to expectations to the mental fortitude required to achieve greatness at the highest level.
“I’ve had to face many personal and professional challenges, but the key has always been believing in myself, even when things weren’t going right,” Martín shared. His emotional insight into his career and the sacrifices he’s made in pursuit of success offers a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a champion in the cutthroat world of MotoGP.
Despite his achievements with Ducati, Martín believes his move to Aprilia represents the next phase of his career, one that will offer fresh opportunities and challenges. “It’s been an incredible experience with Ducati, but I’m excited for what comes next. Aprilia has been working hard, and I’m eager to help them fight at the top,” he explained. His departure marks the end of an era for Ducati, and his transition will undoubtedly be one of the most significant storylines in MotoGP as the 2025 season approaches.
Meanwhile, Austrian manufacturer KTM has reiterated its commitment to MotoGP despite facing a financial crisis. The company is grappling with a staggering €1.8 billion in debt, as well as ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at stabilizing its operations. However, KTM remains resolute in its “Ready to Race” philosophy, which has guided its growth in MotoGP over the years.
“We are in the middle of a tough restructuring process, but we remain fully committed to our racing programs, especially in MotoGP,” a spokesperson for KTM said. “We understand the challenges ahead, but our passion for racing is unwavering. The MotoGP project will continue, and we will keep pushing forward to compete at the highest level.”
Despite the financial strain, KTM’s dedication to its racing endeavors is clear. The manufacturer’s presence in MotoGP has been growing steadily, and they have shown their ability to compete with the best, with riders like Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira consistently delivering strong performances. As KTM works to navigate its financial hurdles, the company is confident that its racing programs will not only survive but thrive in the long run.
As the 2025 MotoGP season draws near, the competitive landscape promises to be more unpredictable than ever. Ducati’s dominance in 2024 has set a high bar, but the reduced factory presence and the departure of key riders like Jorge Martín will create openings for rival teams to capitalize on. Teams like Aprilia, KTM, and Yamaha are all looking to close the gap, and with the constantly evolving dynamics of the sport, nothing can be taken for granted.
For Ducati, staying at the top will require continuous innovation, strategic decision-making, and perhaps even more adjustments to their lineup and technical approach. The departure of a top-tier rider like Martín could leave a gap in the team’s race-winning potential, but Ducati has shown time and again that it is capable of adapting and overcoming challenges.
The 2024 MotoGP season will be remembered as a period of Ducati’s unrivaled dominance, but as they head into 2025, the team must confront new realities. The shifting dynamics of the sport, the financial struggles of competitors like KTM, and the departure of key riders like Jorge Martín all contribute to an unpredictable future. For Ducati, the challenge will be maintaining their winning edge in a more competitive and uncertain environment. As the new season approaches, fans can expect a thrilling battle for supremacy in MotoGP.
