Ducati’s determination over their engine was the important thing subject in pre-season MotoGP testing.
They opted to stay with their 2024 engine – which dominated the championship final yr – reasonably than utilizing the 2025 model.
Marc Marquez demonstrated what the outdated engine may do by smashing his rivals on the Thailand MotoGP.
Ducati engine determination debated
“The state of affairs is that the 2024 bike is that good, that they didn’t handle to enhance it,” TNT Sports activities’ Sylvain Guintoli stated.
“They turned up with a 2025 engine that was examined in Sepang however the riders had reservations straight away.
“They felt the bike was one step higher within the acceleration section however two steps worse within the braking.
“That comes when producers change the inertia of the engine.
“They went heavier, and it makes the bike really feel candy in acceleration, it flows higher.
“However which means extra inertia so, within the braking zones, you battle to cease the bike. I believe that’s what occurred.
“They tried and tried with the setup however when the DNA of an engine is a sure manner, it’s very onerous to vary it.
“They determined to not take the chance, they determined the 2024 was higher.
“For us that’s nice as a result of there are extra Ducati riders with an identical bundle.”
Neil Hodgson stated: “Within the testing section after they had been barely not sure, they gave all Ducati riders the chance to check the ‘25 engine.
“So it wasn’t simply suggestions from the manufacturing facility crew. That’s the fantastic thing about having six good riders.
“The overall consensus was that the ‘24 was higher.
“In the event that they had been allowed to tweak the ‘25 they’d’ve ultimately discovered a candy spot.
“However now we have obtained an engine freeze so you may’t change the spec of the engine. It wasn’t definitely worth the gamble.”
Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia at the moment are dedicated to utilizing the 2024 engine for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Each manufacturing facility Ducati riders admitted their desire to make use of the older model after making an attempt each in pre-season testing.
Ducati stay the crew to beat forward of the second spherical in Argentina subsequent week.
