Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati general manager Luigi Dall’Igna has responded to claims regarding the Italian constructor’s choice of riders for the 2027 MotoGP season, labelling them as “nonsense”.
The reigning world champions have come under fire since their line-up for next year’s season of premier class motorcycle racing was confirmed. Marc Marquez will retain his seat into 2027, with Pedro Acosta making the move over from KTM to join him.
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Ducati received backlash for the line-up in two ways. The first being the fact that the factory team will not feature an Italian rider for the first time since Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden filled the seats in 2010.
Similarly, figures within the sport have also taken issue with Ducati seemingly going against their long-running philosophy of nurturing young talent by outsourcing both of the riders that will be racing in red next year.
Luigi Dall’Igna labels claims that Ducati have changed their ‘core philosophy’ as ‘nonsense’
In an interview with Motosprint during a Ducati event at Misano, Dall’Igna was asked to comment on the recent furore that the official announcement of Borgo Panigale’s 2027 line-up was met with last month.
The Italian pointed towards the retention of Fermin Aldeguer, as well as the promotion of Daniel Holgado, as a “clear example” that Ducati’s pledge to work with the next generation of riders is still in full force.
“That’s just nonsense,” he replied, before adding, “We’re still investing in young riders. Aldeguer is a clear example of someone who’s come through our ranks and whom we’ve nurtured with a fair bit of commitment.
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“Holgado is another young rider, a promising talent we’re nurturing in our academy. It’s clear that this is our core philosophy, one we’ve been following for a very long time now. But there are opportunities which, if the market presents them, I believe it’s right to seize.
“With Marc, in my opinion, we did the right thing in signing him. I was very pleased to sign Pedro because I believe he’ll be one of the most important figures in motorcycling in the coming years.
“Ducati’s philosophy remains absolutely unchanged; it’s clear, of course, that we mustn’t be foolish and should therefore seize the opportunities that life puts in front of us.”
Ducati CEO Stefano Domenicali previously revealed that Marquez’s success had opened Borgo Panigale’s minds’ to top riders who had found success elsewhere on the grid, which is likely to have played a big part in their pursuit of Acosta.
However, the furore from fans is also warranted, given the decline in Italian talent that the likes of Davide Tardozzi have already noticed.
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