Ducati’s Decision to Stick with the 2024 Engine
Ducati has made a significant decision ahead of this week’s Thailand test, choosing to incorporate the 2024 engine into its 2025 MotoGP bike. This choice was made after a rigorous three-day testing period at Sepang in Malaysia, where both Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, despite maintaining a level of secrecy, were clear about the need to finalize the engine decision by the end of the test. The 2024 engine, which brought Ducati 16 out of 20 possible victories, has proven its reliability and performance, making it a conservative but safe choice for the upcoming season.
The Challenges of Pre-Season Testing
The pre-season testing schedule for 2025 has presented unique challenges. Unlike previous years, where there was typically a two-week gap between tests, this year’s schedule is much more condensed. Bikes will hit the track at Buriram just four days after the Sepang test concludes, leaving manufacturers with minimal time to return to their factories and work on new parts. This tight schedule has influenced Ducati’s decision to stick with the 2024 engine, as it provides a proven and reliable option without the need for extensive testing and development.
The Impact of New Regulations
New regulations for the 2025 season have also played a significant role in Ducati’s decision. Brands without concession benefits must homologate their engines in Thailand, the first round of the year, and the engine specification must remain frozen until the end of the 2026 season. This two-year freeze adds an additional layer of complexity to the development process, as any changes made now will have long-lasting consequences. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi admitted, "We will evolve the 2024 bike, and we will not use the complete 2025 one." The conservative approach is a direct response to the extended homologation period, ensuring that the team can maintain a competitive edge without the risk of underperforming new components.
Ducati’s Rider Lineup and Bike Distribution
For the 2025 season, Ducati will have a diverse rider lineup, with different riders using different versions of the bike. The new GP25 will be available to three riders: factory team members Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, as well as Fabio Di Giannantonio of the VR46 team. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer, and Franco Morbidelli will compete on the 2024 GP24, which proved to be a championship-winning machine in the previous season. This distribution strategy allows Ducati to leverage the proven performance of the 2024 bike while also giving its top riders access to the latest developments in the 2025 model.
The Decision-Making Process
The decision to stick with the 2024 engine was not made lightly. Ducati’s engineers and riders have been actively testing and evaluating both the 2024 and 2025 engines. Despite the pressure to innovate, the overwhelming performance of the 2024 engine in recent tests has made it the clear choice. As Tardozzi explained, "We want to be conservative because, this time, the engine freeze lasts two years. We still have to re-test things, small developments, but the indications we have lead us to that 2024 engine. That is the problem of having made a bike that offers such high performance." This approach reflects a balanced strategy, combining the reliability and proven success of the 2024 engine with the potential for minor but impactful improvements.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
As Ducati prepares for the 2025 season, the focus remains on maintaining the team’s competitive edge while adapting to the new regulations and testing schedule. The decision to continue with the 2024 engine is a testament to the team’s commitment to reliability and performance. With a mix of experienced and up-and-coming riders, Ducati is well-positioned to contend for championships in the upcoming season. The condensed testing schedule and engine freeze may present challenges, but the team’s conservative and strategic approach should help them navigate these obstacles and continue their legacy of success in MotoGP.
