“MotoGP Rivalries: Then and Now”
The battle for the MotoGP title is heating up, with Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martín going head-to-head for the top spot. Both riders are tied to Ducati, but their rivalry is vastly different from the infamous one between Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.
Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse’s General Manager, recently shared his insights on the two rivalries. When asked to compare the tense dynamic between Rossi and Lorenzo to the current Bagnaia-Martín battle, Dall’Igna pointed out the stark differences in rider management. “Back then, there was a wall between the two riders,” he said. “But now, we have total data sharing between Bagnaia and Martín. Ducati is working to support Martín just as much as Bagnaia.”
Dall’Igna emphasized that the team’s approach has changed significantly since the Rossi-Lorenzo days. “We have several engineers on the Pramac team who are actually Ducati engineers,” he explained. “And the work we do behind the scenes is exactly the same for both Pecco and Jorge. We’re supporting both riders equally.”
This shift in approach is a testament to the evolving nature of MotoGP rivalries. As the sport continues to push boundaries, it’s clear that the days of divided teams and separate garages are behind us. Today, it’s all about collaboration and a shared pursuit of excellence.
In the end, only time will tell if Bagnaia or