Ducati sticks with its 2024 engine for 2025

Ducati opts for its 2024 engine over the 2025 version as Marc Marquez dominates in Thailand.

Mechanics work on the bike of Ducati Lenovo's Spanish rider Marc Marquez during the free practice 2 session of the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at the Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on March 1, 2025. Photo by Mohd Rasfan/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Ducati’s decision regarding its MotoGP engine became the focal point of pre-season testing, with the reigning champions ultimately choosing to stick with their 2024 engine rather than introducing a new 2025 version. The move has already shown promise, with Marc Marquez demonstrating the older engine’s potential by delivering a dominant performance at the Thailand MotoGP.

Despite Ducati’s engineers working on a 2025 engine, early feedback from riders during testing in Sepang raised concerns. While the new engine showed improvements in acceleration, it posed challenges in braking, leading Ducati to abandon its development for now.

Ducati’s engine dilemma

“The situation is that the 2024 bike is that good, that they didn’t manage to improve it,” TNT Sports’ Sylvain Guintoli explained.

“They turned up with a 2025 engine that was tested in Sepang, but the riders had reservations right away.

“They felt the bike was one step better in the acceleration phase but two steps worse in the braking. That comes when manufacturers change the inertia of the engine.

“They went heavier, and it makes the bike feel sweet in acceleration—it flows better.

“But that means more inertia, so in the braking zones, you struggle to stop the bike. I think that’s what happened.

“They tried and tried with the setup, but when the DNA of an engine is a certain way, it’s very hard to change it.

“They decided not to take the risk. They decided the 2024 was better.

“For us, that’s great because there are more Ducati riders with a similar package.”

Ducati riders preferred the 2024 engine

Ducati’s testing phase included feedback from all six of its riders, not just those in the factory team. The general consensus was that the 2024 engine offered a better overall package, leading the manufacturer to commit to it for the 2025 season.

Neil Hodgson highlighted the importance of having multiple riders contribute to the decision:

“In the testing phase, when they were slightly unsure, they gave all Ducati riders the opportunity to test the ‘25 engine.

“So it wasn’t just feedback from the factory team. That’s the beauty of having six good riders.

“The general consensus was that the ‘24 was better.

“If they were allowed to tweak the ‘25, they would’ve eventually found a sweet spot.

“But we have got an engine freeze, so you can’t change the spec of the engine. It wasn’t worth the gamble.”

Marquez and Bagnaia commit to the 2024 engine

With Ducati making its final decision, both Marc Marquez and reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia will now use the 2024 engine for the rest of the 2025 season. The pair, who tested both versions during pre-season, agreed that the older engine was the more reliable choice.

Their feedback aligns with Ducati’s approach to prioritize a proven setup rather than risk potential instability with the newer engine. Marquez’s victory in Thailand further cemented Ducati’s decision, showcasing the continued strength of the 2024 engine.

Ducati remains the team to beat

As the MotoGP season moves to its second round in Argentina next week, Ducati remains the dominant force on the grid. The decision to retain its 2024 engine ensures consistency across its lineup, giving its riders a familiar and well-developed package to compete with.

With Marquez already proving the engine’s capabilities and Bagnaia looking to defend his title, Ducati’s rivals will need to find a way to close the gap as the season progresses.