Ducati Faces Unprecedented Setback at Silverstone as Dall’Igna Calls for Rapid Recovery
Ducati’s general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, delivered a stark assessment following a disappointing Silverstone Grand Prix weekend, where the factory squad failed to contend with the frontrunners.
The British circuit witnessed Aprilia dominate the podium across both Saturday’s sprint and Sunday’s main race, leaving Ducati’s official riders unable to challenge even their satellite counterparts. Dall’Igna acknowledged the gravity of the situation but emphasized the need to move quickly past this setback.
“Silverstone once again proved to be unpredictable, showcasing the twelfth different winner in as many races,” Dall’Igna stated. “This underlines how challenging this circuit is for us. We experienced a disappointing weekend that we must leave behind swiftly, while still learning the necessary lessons. Frankly, we were never truly in contention-from qualifying to race, we couldn’t find a competitive rhythm for various reasons, and the bike never felt quite right.” He added, “There’s nothing particularly alarming, but this circuit brought us back down to earth in a fiercely competitive championship against strong, relentless rivals. Our priority now is to regain the spirit we had before the summer break and to give everything with heart and determination, as always.”
Despite the factory team’s struggles, Ducati found some solace in the performances of satellite riders Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio. Marquez, in particular, emerged as the standout Ducati representative over the weekend. “Alex was the best Ducati rider on both days. He is an excellent pilot who kept our race hopes alive despite it ending sooner than we wanted,” Dall’Igna said. “A mid-race mistake probably cost him a podium finish, but he once again demonstrated his maturity, determination, and outright speed.” Di Giannantonio also earned praise for returning to the points and maintaining consistency during what Dall’Igna described as an “excellent season,” noting the mental boost that scoring valuable points provides in such a tightly contested world championship.
The weekend was a stark contrast for Pecco Bagnaia, who endured a forgettable Silverstone outing capped by a crash. “Pecco had a weekend to forget, ending with a fall,” the Ducati director remarked. “The British circuit was not ideal for him following his recent forearm surgery, though he is not making excuses, as his own statements confirm.”
Marc Marquez’s race was similarly fraught with challenges. Despite a strong start and a prolonged battle near the podium positions, his pace faded, forcing him into a defensive ride to secure points. “Marc never managed to keep up with the leaders, regardless of his unlucky qualifying session marred by a yellow flag during his final attempt,” Dall’Igna explained. “Our result was the complete opposite of what we saw recently in Germany. Marc himself expected a tough race, and that’s exactly what unfolded. He fought valiantly before gradually slipping down the order, ultimately settling for a modest finish while avoiding unnecessary risks.”
Looking ahead, Ducati now faces a two-week break before the Aragon Grand Prix, a venue that Dall’Igna believes could offer better opportunities. “Better days will surely come,” he concluded. “What matters is that we’re ready when they arrive. With many races still to come, everyone will face tough moments. In a championship as intense as MotoGP, victory will go to those who best respond to the challenges presented each day.”