Ducati has revealed that there is “a real possibility” of the team using its 2024 chassis and aero at the Thai MotoGP season opener.
Ducati recorded the most dominant season in MotoGP history by a single manufacturer in 2024, winning 19 of the 20 Grand Prix races.
The Italian marque produced the GP24, which was far superior to its previous 2023, winning 16 Sunday races.
Ducati made the decision last week at the Thai test to scrap its new GP25 engine in favour of the old GP24 ahead of the engine freeze.
This decision means the Bologna-based team will use last year’s engine for the next two years until the new technical regulations begin in 2027.
Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi has suggested that the factory team and Fabio Di Giannantonio could use other GP24 parts in the early phases of the 2025 season.
“The decision has been made, and we will use the 2024 engine for the next two seasons. I think it’s very difficult to improve the GP24, we tried, but in the end we didn’t find what we thought and Gigi didn’t want to take any risks,” he told GPOne.
“It will be a big effort for our guys at home to prepare the engines for the three riders for the first race, but if Gigi [Dall’lgna] made this decision we will have them.
“There is a real possibility that we will also start with the 2024 chassis and aerodynamics; we could postpone to Jerez testing the new material we had.
“What will be different on the GP25? Some electronics and suspension details.
“I’m happy because it looks that the rules work, and giving connections to the brands that have difficulties like Yamaha or Honda works. I think Dorna did a good decision.”
READ MORE – Ducati announces decision to use 2024 engine for all six MotoGP bikes
Tardozzi ‘absolutely confident’ of his riders despite setback
Despite this setback, Tardozzi is adamant that Ducati still have the riders and bike to compete for the championship.
He indicated that rival manufacturers could be closer to the Italian marque, given the winter off-season providing opportunities for bike development.
“I’m absolutely confident our riders will be really competitive every race and for the championship, but, as I said all winter, I know our opponents and they are good.
“They are very strong, they gave good riders and engineers, many of them from Ducati.
“I think we are not to underestimate them and there will be some races we will not win and we have to collect points, because the championship is more important than winning every race.”
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