In the ruthless world of MotoGP, the battle for supremacy is fought as much on the track as in the backrooms of the garages. In 2025, Ducati, long the queen of the championship, faces an unprecedented challenge. The concessions, these rules intended to balance competition, seem to have redefined the power dynamics. Who would have thought that a simple regulation could sow doubt in the minds of champions?
The concessions: a double-edged sword
The concession system in place in MotoGP has undeniably brought its share of upheaval, but it has also left scars. Despite a season start where Ducati displayed brilliant form, with the most victories and the capture of the three major titles, several riders from the Italian brand, including Pecco Bagnaia and Michele Pirro, admit that this advantage has gradually eroded over the course of the Grands Prix. Have the concessions, designed to promote fairness, ultimately reversed the trend in favour of other brands?
In 2024, Ducati had dominated the championship with only one defeat, but 2025 has seen five victories slip away, four in favour of Aprilia and one to Honda. A turnaround that demonstrates that the competition is fiercer than ever. Ducati’s winning streak was brutally interrupted in Australia, where the brand managed to place only one bike on the podium and completely missed its sprint.
Victories that raise questions
The circumstances of Honda and Aprilia’s victories are not trivial. Honda’s win in France took place in pouring rain, while Aprilia capitalised on the absence of Marc Márquez, injured at the end of the season. The fact that Ducati had mediocre performances in certain races has therefore amplified the questions about its status as a leader.
For Pecco Bagnaia, this season has been a real headache. The reigning world champion stated: “It’s difficult to answer, as I think our bike is the best. I have had difficulties this season, it’s true. In recent seasons, I have always been super competitive.” But this year, he has had to face a vengeful Márquez who has managed to exploit Ducati’s weaknesses.
The regulations: a brake for Ducati
Ducati finds itself in a unique position, being the only brand classified in group A, which limits its possibilities for private testing and wild cards. Meanwhile, Aprilia and KTM are in group C, while Yamaha and Honda, in group D, benefit from nearly unlimited testing and freedom in engine development. This situation creates a growing disparity between manufacturers.
Ducati is the most limited brand in its testing and development.
Pecco Bagnaia does not mince his words on this subject: “I think our bike remains far more competitive than all the others. So it is true that being able to conduct tests and have additional concessions could allow for faster progress.” A cry from the heart for a rider who knows that every test day counts in this race for innovation.
A GP25 to tame
Michele Pirro, test rider for Ducati, has also felt the effects of these limitations. Having been unable to participate as a wild card, he has seen his work opportunities reduced. Like Bagnaia, he notes that the competition is stronger due to the new regulations. The GP25, although extremely performant, needs to be perfectly mastered to compete with other brands.
Michele Pirro raced in two Grands Prix in 2025, but as a replacement for Marc Márquez.
For Pirro, this situation is not surprising: “Many journalists have paid little attention to the fact that other manufacturers still benefit from concessions.” He emphasises that the balance sought by the regulations is working, as other bikes are now competitive. Far from weakening, Ducati must adapt and innovate more quickly to avoid being left behind.
An uncertain but promising future
The challenges Ducati faces do not call into question its intrinsic capabilities. On the contrary, they push the brand to reinvent itself. The 2025 season could well be the one where Ducati finds innovative solutions to overcome these constraints. As Pecco Bagnaia says: “The rules are there to make the championship more balanced.” And it is precisely this balance that could offer even more thrilling races in the future.
As the concessions continue to influence the landscape of MotoGP, the question remains: will Ducati manage to maintain its throne against increasingly sharpened competition? A challenge that is just beginning.
