MotoGP, Dall'Igna: "Honda and Yamaha could soon close in on us"

Gigi Dall’Igna’s smile is one of those that promises good things, but then the Italian manager has no shortage of reasons to dream big. In 2024, the Deus Ex Machina of Ducati prepares to head up an even stronger team, comprised of the current world champion and a rider ready to take back what bad luck stole from him last season.

Dall’Igna has spent another winter working and developing, with seemingly interesting results. In addition to the engine seen at Valencia – one that Pecco Bagnaia appears to approve – a different fairing will be used at Sepang with the aim of adding to what is already a high-performance formula.

You spoke about an improved engine during the presentation. How tough was it to achieve this?

“We normally start thinking about the following year’s engine already after the Sepang test, unlike other areas where you can improve throughout the season”.

What will have more of a bearing, the engine seen at Valencia or the fairings you’ll unveil at Sepang?

“It’s always a compromise that leads to victory so it will be important for these aspects to work with each other and with the chassis, for an overall package that is better than that of the competition”.

As for the concessions granted to your rivals, what worries you the most?

“Honda and Yamaha definitely have more concessions than KTM and Aprilia. Being able to modify the engine during the year will allow them to take greater risks right from the start, as they can always reverse any mistakes. I think they can make up ground quite quickly”.

How are Bagnaia and Bastianini doing?

“They’re doing well, they seem ready. Pecco has the knowledge that he’s a two-time MotoGP world champion, and the stubbornness to run up front even if there are quicker riders.”

What do you expect from Marquez?

“It’s hard to make predictions after one day of testing, I’d need a crystal ball. I think he’s still learning the bike and the Ducati system. He’s made requests like all riders, but he knows he needs to learn before asking for anything.”

Dall'Igna looks to the past and future

When will you choose your 2025 riders?

“I want to decide on a first rider fast, and then take my time selecting the second.”

It would be hard to improve on 2023. How can you do better?

“It was hard to think we could better last year too, but we managed it, also taking the Supersport title. There are those who did better than us (Red Bull in F1), which tells us that it’s possible to do better, and so we’ll try.”

Which of last year’s races were you happiest about?

“I’d say Sachsenring, a track where the engine counts for little and where we placed five bikes in the top five. That was very satisfying.”

If you think back to Barcelona, how do you feel?

“I think about the risk, as there was a high chance Pecco could have really hurt himself.”