– Ducati will compete with two exceptional Spanish talents at the helm of its MotoGP project from 2027 – a decision that has not been met with universal enthusiasm in Italy. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has now defended the signing of Pedro Acosta alongside world champion Marc Marquez.
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For him, one thing above all counts when staffing the factory team: performance. “When we put together the official team, the first and most important criterion is performance. We don’t choose based on passport,” Domenicali clarifies in an interview with the Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Ducati boss thus contradicts the criticism that the manufacturer from Borgo Panigale is developing into a kind of Spanish national team. “We didn’t want a Spanish national team. We wanted a duo of great riders and chose the two we thought would give us the most pace.”
Photo gallery: Before Bagnaia and Marquez: They were Ducati teammates in MotoGP
At the same time, Domenicali emphasizes that Ducati has not lost its Italian identity: “Of course, we would love to have an Italian with us.” That’s why the manufacturer is working to pave the way for Nicolo Bulega into MotoGP. However, the factory team must primarily fight for the title.
“We want to win the World Championship,” says Domenicali. Should Ducati be able to choose between two riders with identical talent in the future, and one of them is Italian, the decision is clear: “Then we will choose the Italian.”
Marquez not yet back at World Championship level
With Marquez and Acosta, Domenicali sees Ducati excellently positioned both short-term and long-term. The goal was to build “a team with great potential in the present and a strong perspective for the future.”
However, the Ducati boss still sees room for improvement with Marquez. “Unfortunately, the accident with Bezzecchi [in Indonesia] last year left serious consequences for Marc, and we still don’t see the rider who fought for the World Championship,” Domenicali explains the situation.
While the Spaniard still possesses his extraordinary abilities, Ducati is apparently still waiting for the absolute top form of the former serial world champion.
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Acosta to embody Ducati DNA
Domenicali is already convinced by new signing Acosta. The Spaniard is one of the riders with the greatest opportunities for the future. Not only his speed impresses Ducati, but also his demeanor off the track.
“Pedro is one of the young riders with the best cards. We also really like his character: he is very direct,” says the Ducati boss. Acosta also fits the brand perfectly. “He is quite a ducatista.” In his opinion, fans would quickly identify with him, “if they haven’t already.”
Ducati loses dominance – Aprilia moves closer
Sportingly, Ducati is currently facing a new challenge. After four consecutive constructors’ and riders’ titles, the competition has moved closer. Aprilia, in particular, has put Ducati under pressure. However, Domenicali sees this as a normal process in motorsport: “That’s part of the competition.”
Photo gallery: Dream in Red: All Ducati MotoGP bikes since 2003
Ducati has had more difficulties than usual in developing the bike over the past two years. At the same time, other manufacturers who had problems have been able to solve them and thus get closer to Ducati.
“That’s part of the world of racing and technological development. Congratulations to our competitors for the excellent work they have done.”
Future vision: Ducati to remain competitive
Looking ahead to the next five years, Domenicali formulates a realistic goal. “After four fantastic years, it’s hard to think that you can constantly repeat yourself. Not even in Formula 1 do cycles last forever,” he knows.
Therefore, for Ducati, not only the number of titles is important, but also long-term competitiveness. “In five years, I would be happy to see a Ducati that has remained competitive, can fight for the podium in every race, and remains true to its own principles – a brand that fans can be proud of.”
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