Published: 04 Jul 2024
Only Three Official MotoGP Bikes - Who'll get Ducati's Third GP25?
In order to reduce the cost of its MotoGP project, class leader Ducati will decrease the number of factory-spec bikes in 2025. Who’ll get the Italians’ third GP25?
Following Pramac Racing’s Ducati move away from long-term partner Ducati to become Yamaha’s new independent team in MotoGP, Ducati will run six instead of the usual eight bikes from 2025 onwards.
This is part of Ducati’s broader strategy to reduce its financial investment in the medium term. The factory team, featuring Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, will have access to the latest equipment.
However, instead of 2024’s two extra factory bikes on the grid, Ducati will reduce its MotoGP footprint by fielding just one additional GP25.
“We aim to field three official bikes and three from the previous year,” confirmed Ducati’s Motorsport Director Gigi Dall’Igna on Sky Italia. “That is the goal.”
The third bike will go to VR46 Racing. Valentino Rossi’s team has yet to announce their riders for the next year so It remains uncertain which rider will be given the GP25.
It is notable that Ducati will only provide three current-spec bikes. In contrast, KTM, Aprilia, Yamaha, and Honda equip all four of their riders with the latest machinery.
“The global economic situation forces us to be very cautious with our investments in motorsport,” confirmed Ducati’s Sports Director Mauro Grassilli to Motorsport.com.
Theoretically, VR46 could receive a second GP25, but the team would have to cover the additional costs. This is unlikely to happen, as the GP24 remains highly competitive.
