Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, expressed his attachment to the brand and his apprehensions about the possibility of seeing the number 1, symbol of the MotoGP world champion, displayed by an Aprilia. As the MotoGP season draws to a close, Ducati finds itself in an unprecedented situation: two of its riders, Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, are competing for the world title. A situation that delights Domenicali, but which also raises questions about the future.
While the Barcelona Grand Prix marks the end of the 2024 season, Claudio DomenicaliPDG de
Ducatishared his thoughts on the current situation of the championship and the impressive season of the Italian brand. With a fight for the title between two of its drivers, Pecco Bagnaia et Jorge
MartinDomenicali expressed his feelings about this unique situation and the challenges ahead.
« It's sport, it's exciting “, declared Sundays at Sky Italia. ” The last race of the season takes a special meaningAbove all with the changes coming in 2025 concerning drivers, teams and technical directors. It's an honor to have two Ducati riders competing for the titlewith four Ducati victories throughout the season. »
The rivalry between Bagnaiathe official driver, and Martinwho rides for the satellite team
Pramac Racingwas one of the big themes of the season. Sundays highlighted the impressive performance of Bagnaianotably its
10 winsand mentioned his memorable feat during the first three rounds of the Malaysian Grand Prixwhich he described as “ worthy of an anthology in the history of motorcycling ».
Claudio Domenicali: « it's something that hurts, but it's sport »
However, the idea that Martinwith a bike from the satellite team, could win the title created a dilemma for Ducati. If that happens, the number 1, which symbolizes the world champion, could belong to a driver from a satellite team, which would constitute a symbolic turnaround for the brand. “ It would be a shame, and it would be inhumane to deny the evidence “, he admitted
Sundays. « Number 1 always generates satisfaction, but it is part of our philosophy to provide the best material to both the official team and Pramac. Jorge already fought Pecco for the title last year, and now they find themselves in reversed roles. It's something that hurts, but it's sport. »
Sundayswith 30 years of experience at
Ducatialso reflected on the evolution of the company, which has transformed the MotoGP scene. “ I am passionate about the sport and the productand I grew up with the myth of drivers like Lucchinelli and Uncini “, he said. “ We have seen a great evolution since our humble beginnings. We are proud to have reached this level, and it is even more satisfying to see Ducati competing with the best brandsboth in competition and in the industry. »
Despite the overwhelming success of Ducati in 2024, with four motorcycles among the best in the championship,
Sundays is well aware that the competitiveness of MotoGP remains high, and the possibility of losing the title in a symbolic way – with a number 1 on a rival bike – adds an extra dimension to the challenge. “ This is the price of success and maintaining a policy of equality for all our teams », the conclusion Sundaysreaffirming the commitment of Ducati towards all its pilots, whether official or satellite.
MotoGP, Barcelona J1 : chronos
