The 2025 MotoGP season has been a turbulent chapter for the Ducati Lenovo Team, with its blend of on-track triumphs and off-track controversies. At the center of this storm is Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna, whose frustration with two-time world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s inconsistent performances has spilled into an unexpected and fiery critique of Bagnaia’s wife, Domizia Castagnini. Dall’Igna’s comments, branding Castagnini’s vocal demands for “justice” as a distraction amid Bagnaia’s faltering results, have ignited a media frenzy, casting a spotlight on the delicate balance of personal and professional dynamics within the high-stakes world of MotoGP. As Ducati continues to dominate with Marc Marquez’s stellar performances, the tension surrounding Bagnaia’s struggles and his wife’s public defense has added a new layer of drama to the season.

Bagnaia’s 2025 season has been a stark contrast to his championship-winning years of 2022 and 2023. The Desmosedici GP25, while a technical marvel, has proven difficult for Bagnaia to master, particularly in braking and corner entry—areas where his precision-based riding style once shone. His struggles were evident at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished 13th in the sprint race and qualified a dismal 15th. This followed a lackluster eighth-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix, trailing Marquez by over 12 seconds. By mid-season, Bagnaia lagged 197 points behind Marquez in the championship standings, with only a single victory in Austin to his name. Dall’Igna, known for his analytical approach, did not mince words, describing Bagnaia’s performances as “truly disappointing” in a post-race interview with Sky Italy, pointing to missed opportunities despite strong practice sessions.

The controversy escalated when Dall’Igna turned his ire toward Castagnini, who has been outspoken on social media platforms like X, defending her husband against criticism. Castagnini has repeatedly argued that Ducati’s technical decisions, particularly the GP25’s development favoring Marquez’s aggressive style, have hindered Bagnaia’s performance. Her posts have called for “justice” for Bagnaia, highlighting perceived disparities in bike setup and team support. In a heated moment following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Dall’Igna told Motorsport Week, “It’s truly disappointing to hear constant demands for justice when we’re all pushing to help Pecco. These comments add pressure and distract from the focus we need.” His remarks have polarized fans, with some on X defending Castagnini’s loyalty and others agreeing that her public statements may exacerbate the team’s challenges.

Marquez’s dominance has only intensified the scrutiny on Bagnaia. The eight-time world champion has adapted seamlessly to the GP25, securing five consecutive Grand Prix and sprint doubles, including a commanding performance at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix. Dall’Igna praised Marquez’s ability to “extract the maximum” from the bike, a stark contrast to Bagnaia’s struggles. The team’s dynamics have been further complicated by Ducati’s reduced grid presence in 2025, dropping from eight to six bikes after Pramac Racing’s switch to Yamaha. This, coupled with the departure of riders like Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini, has limited Ducati’s data collection, a point Bagnaia raised at Sachsenring. Dall’Igna, however, dismissed this as the primary issue, telling Roadracing World Magazine, “The real challenge is the strengthened lineups at KTM and Aprilia. We need to focus on our riders.”

Dall’Igna’s frustration also stems from broader competitive pressures. In a July 2025 interview with Crash.net, he noted that Ducati’s technical advantage has “shrunk” due to rivals’ development concessions, urging the team to “get back to work.” The GP25’s braking issues remain a focal point, with Dall’Igna admitting it lags behind the GP24 in stability—a critical factor for Bagnaia. Despite these challenges, Dall’Igna remains committed to supporting Bagnaia, emphasizing a “mental component” to his struggles. “Pecco needs the right attitude to avoid a downward spiral,” he told Motorsport Week, echoing comments from former engineer Juan Martinez, who suggested Marquez’s arrival may have impacted Bagnaia psychologically.

The public fallout from Dall’Igna’s criticism of Castagnini has raised questions about team morale. While Castagnini has not directly responded, her silence has not quelled the debate, with fans divided over her role. Some view her advocacy as a natural response to Bagnaia’s challenges, while others see it as a distraction. As the season progresses with nine races left, Ducati faces the task of balancing Marquez’s dominance with Bagnaia’s recovery. Dall’Igna’s focus on upcoming regulation changes for 2027, including 850cc engines and the removal of ride-height devices, underscores his long-term vision. For now, his call to “return a smile to Pecco’s face” reflects a commitment to unity, but the controversy surrounding Castagnini highlights the intense pressures of MotoGP, where personal loyalty and professional expectations collide in the pursuit of championship glory.