Why Ducati is the most complete MotoGP bike

Fabio Di Giannantonio highlights Ducati’s all-around strength as the key to its MotoGP success.

Fabio Di Giannantonio of Italy and Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team rides on track during the MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi on October 6, 2024, in Motegi, Japan. Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Since making his MotoGP debut in 2022, Fabio Di Giannantonio has only ever ridden Ducati machinery. Starting with Gresini Racing before moving to Pertamina Enduro VR46 last season, the Italian has firsthand experience of the bike that has dominated the premier class in recent years.

Ducati’s consistent performance has set it apart from the competition, and Di Giannantonio believes the key to its success lies in its well-rounded capabilities. Speaking to Crash, he explained why the Borgo Panigale manufacturer has remained the benchmark in MotoGP.

Di Giannantonio emphasized that Ducati’s biggest advantage is not excelling in just one area but being the most complete package on the grid.

"The Ducati is so consistent. I think they developed a bike that isn’t the strongest [in just one area], but it’s the most complete bike for all situations, all conditions," he said.

Over the years, MotoGP has seen manufacturers produce bikes with specific strengths—some excelling in top speed, others in braking, and some in cornering agility. However, Ducati has managed to refine its Desmosedici GP into a machine that performs exceptionally well across all aspects.

Evolution of Ducati’s strengths over the years

Ducati’s rise to dominance has not been a sudden shift but rather a gradual process of improvement. Di Giannantonio pointed out how the Desmosedici GP has gone through different phases, where certain aspects stood out more than others.

"There were times when it was the fastest bike on the straight. Then, there were times when it was the best in hard braking. Also, periods when it managed the tyres better than the others," he explained.

This adaptability has allowed Ducati to maintain its edge despite changing regulations and evolving competition from rival manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda, and KTM. Instead of relying on a single advantage, Ducati has continuously refined different areas of performance to ensure it remains the most balanced bike on the grid.

Di Giannantonio concluded by reaffirming that Ducati’s ability to perform at a high level across various conditions is what makes it the best overall package in MotoGP.

"So, there have been different periods [with different strong points], but normally, it is 98% the best all-around bike on the grid," he stated.

This statement aligns with the results Ducati has achieved in recent seasons. The Italian manufacturer has consistently placed multiple riders at the front, with Francesco Bagnaia securing back-to-back MotoGP titles in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, Ducati’s satellite teams, such as Gresini Racing and VR46, have also been competitive, proving the bike’s effectiveness across different setups and riding styles.

The impact of Ducati’s dominance on the 2025 MotoGP season

Alex Marquez of Spain from Gresini Racing MotoGP and Marc Marquez of Spain from Ducati Lenovo Team race during the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, on March 2, 2025. Photo by Kaikungwon Duanjumroon/Nur

As the 2025 MotoGP season unfolds, Ducati remains the team to beat. With a lineup that includes top riders such as Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Marquez, and Marc Márquez, the factory and satellite teams have the potential to dominate yet again.

Di Giannantonio’s insights shed light on why Ducati has maintained its superiority. While other manufacturers may have specific strengths, Ducati’s ability to consistently perform well in all areas makes it the most formidable contender.

For Di Giannantonio, his second season with VR46 presents an opportunity to build on his growing experience with the Desmosedici GP. With the bike’s proven capabilities, he will be aiming to secure stronger results and challenge for podium finishes throughout the season.

Ducati’s dominance in MotoGP is not just about raw speed or braking power—it is about having a bike that works in every situation. As Di Giannantonio highlighted, this versatility is what has kept Ducati ahead of the competition, and it is likely to remain the defining factor in the battles for the 2025 championship.