The 2025 MotoGP season hasn’t even started yet, but Ducati has already sparked heated debate in the paddock with an unexpected decision. The Borgo Panigale giant has announced that it will start the season using the Desmosedici GP24 engine instead of the new GP25 version. A choice that has taken many by surprise, especially Marc Marquez, who expected to have the latest evolution of the bike in his hands for his debut in the official team. The eight-time world champion did not hide his disappointment, calling the choice “unfair” and underlining how his move to Ducati was also motivated by the promise of being able to ride the most advanced bike.
The decision was officially confirmed in Buriram, where Davide Tardozzi explained that all six Ducati riders will start the season with the GP24 engine. The main reason behind this choice is the need to minimize risks. Although the GP25 engine has shown improvements in terms of performance and rideability, it has highlighted issues in engine braking that have not yet been fully resolved. Furthermore, aerodynamics are another key factor. The new aerodynamic package of the GP25 has shown advantages on circuits such as Buriram, but has raised doubts on tracks with fast corners such as Argentina and Qatar. For this reason, Ducati has decided to adopt a more cautious approach and evaluate further developments in the tests scheduled for Jerez in April.
In addition to the engine, Ducati will also retain the 2024 chassis and aerodynamic package, but will introduce electronics and suspension updates to improve the bike’s stability and handling. Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna had already anticipated this strategy during the GP25 presentation, explaining that the team would introduce innovations only if there was a clear certainty of an advantage. This conservative approach is aimed at avoiding adaptation problems that could compromise the team’s competitiveness in a season that promises to be extremely competitive.
Marquez, who left Honda after eleven years to join Ducati in the hope of immediately returning to competitiveness, now finds himself in an unexpected situation. He would have liked to receive the latest evolution of the bike immediately to maximise his chances of fighting for the title, but instead he will have to adapt to the GP24, the same bike that last year brought Pecco Bagnaia to the world title. While pragmatically accepting the decision, the Spaniard did not hide his frustration. “I always want the best to be able to fight at the maximum. If this is the team’s decision, we have to trust it, but I cannot say that it is an easy choice to accept,” said Marquez, implying that he would have preferred a more aggressive option from the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.
Meanwhile, Jorge Martin is also facing difficulties, albeit of a different nature. After his crash in the Sepang tests, the Spanish rider is recovering from fractures to his right hand and left foot. Fortunately, no surgery was necessary, and Martin spent the last week at home recovering before resuming training. A medical check-up scheduled for early this week will determine whether he can return to full fitness for the first race of the season.
His adaptation to the new bike is another unknown. After switching from Ducati to Aprilia, Martin will have to face an adaptation period, as the two bikes have very different characteristics. In its tests, Aprilia has worked hard to improve the rideability of the bike, with significant progress thanks to the new 2025 engine. However, Martin’s absence from the Sepang and Buriram tests could weigh on him, as he will be forced to find the feeling with the bike directly in the first Grands Prix. The team has entrusted test rider Lorenzo Savadori with the task of collecting crucial data to facilitate Martin’s return to the track, but it remains to be seen how long it will take for him to be competitive.
Ducati’s decision to stick with the GP24 engine reflects a cautious approach to bike development. However, this decision could represent an opportunity for rival teams such as KTM and Aprilia. While Ducati plays defense, other manufacturers could close the gap with more aggressive updates. The 2025 season therefore promises to be particularly uncertain, with several factors that could overturn the forecasts.
The first test will come with the first four races of the season: Thailand, Argentina, Austin and Qatar. For Marquez, it will be essential to demonstrate right away that he can compete at the highest level despite not having the most updated version of the bike. On the other hand, Martin will have to face the challenge of quickly adapting to his new Aprilia while trying to overcome physical difficulties.
Ducati has made a calculated decision, but it remains to be seen whether this choice will prove to be a winning one or whether it will have opened the door to its rivals. The 2025 MotoGP season has only just begun, but the debate is already raging. Was it a prudent move to maintain supremacy or a missed opportunity to take the next step? And how will all this affect the competitiveness of Marquez and Martin? The first races will give the answers, but one thing is certain: an exciting championship full of surprises awaits us.
