Why Ducati boss Luigi Dall’Igna doesn’t like how he’s viewed in the MotoGP paddock

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Luigi Dall’Igna and Ducati are the natural villains of MotoGP ahead of the 2025 season. Many await the downfall of the dominant team – such is the way in the sport.

And ‘dominant’ almost underplays Ducati’s status in MotoGP of late. Their bikes have won three straight riders’ titles, four straight teams’ championships and five straight constructors’ crowns.

Last season, they amassed a whopping 722 points as a manufacturer, more than double that of nearest challenger KTM. They monopolised the top three positions in the teams’ standings, and four of the top five.

Likewise, the top four riders were all affiliated with Ducati. They each scored at least 386 points – fifth-place Brad Binder only managed 217.

The Bologna outfit have potentially been weakened heading into 2025, with reigning champions Pramac switching to Yamaha. Title winner Jorge Martin has defected to Aprilia after being denied a factory ride in favour of Marc Marquez.

There should, in theory, be an increase in non-Ducati podiums. But with no major regulation changes until 2027, it’s hard to see them being decisively toppled for the moment.

Luigi Dall’Igna admits some in MotoGP paddock think he’s ‘unfriendly’

In an interview with Motorsport Espana, Dall’Igna was asked whether he’s still ‘popular’ with any of the other teams. It’s an era of European supremacy in the premier class, with Yamaha and Honda slipping to the foot of the table.

Dall’Igna says he has little interest in ‘crushing’ the competition, or breaking records. Instead, his only concern in winning.

But he admits that his reputation has suffered in the MotoGP paddock since he joined Ducati. The 58-year-old arrived from Aprilia just over a decade ago.

“For me it is important to win, not to crush,” he said. “When you crush, you become unpopular.

“I work to continue winning, although it may happen that sometimes we exaggerate a little and find ourselves in a situation like the current one. But my goal is not to surpass the previous year; it is simply to win.

“Let’s say there are many who see me as unfriendly in this paddock and I feel bad about it.”

Why Luigi Dall’Igna rejects comparisons with F1 legend Adrian Newey

Francesco Bagnaia says Pramac are a ‘big loss’ to Ducati, even if he may be pleased not to contend with Martin next year. They will have less data at their disposal as they look to develop their bike.

Aleix Espargaro believes Martin can still win the title, which would be a major upset. The Aprilia factory squad finished fourth last year.

As he chases fresh silverware to bolster his legacy, Dall’Igna has downplayed comparisons with Adrian Newey. The ‘big difference’ between the two is that one has comprehensive responsibilities, while the other can focus solely on design.