Dall’Igna Criticizes Ducati but Defends Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia

Ducati’s principal, Gigi Dall’Igna, took stock after the Dutch Grand Prix, which saw Pecco Bagnaia retire due to a problem with his bike and Marc Marquez finish just seventh: “For the factory team, it turned out to be a largely unremarkable GP. We never really took center stage the way we’re used to, and the way we’re expected to.”

Dall’Igna did, however, praise the riders for their hard work: “Marc Marquez raced with pride and finished seventh in a race where he was even in third place at one point. That’s what champions are made of—they fight in every situation and against all odds. Thanks to his determination, he deserved not to lose any championship points, and Pecco also confirmed that he has rediscovered his fighting spirit. He deserved to continue his streak of positive results.”

The satellite teams fared better, with Di Giannantonio now in the thick of the title fight: “Ducati was well represented by a fantastic Di Giannantonio and an extraordinary Alex Marquez, not only for their final results but also for the heart and character they showed in their performances. Diggia consistently proves himself to be fast, and by now that’s a given. Third in the Sprint Race and fourth on Sunday, he’s the top Ducati rider at the finish line—and, let’s not forget, in the overall standings as well.”

“After a shaky start, he reacted patiently and ultimately showed what it means to believe in himself, fighting with all his might to regain the position he held before the penalty was imposed. Simply spectacular. And Alex Marquez—a true warrior. An extraordinary performance on his part: after everything he’s been through, finishing right behind Diggia is something out of another era. A brilliant fifth-place finish that was actually fourth until the very last lap.”