🔥Luigi Dall’Igna ‘won’t admit’ that Francesco Bagnaia is right about one of Ducati’s ‘biggest problems’

In recent weeks, a tense dialogue has unfolded between Ducati’s technical director Luigi Dall’Igna and its star rider Francesco Bagnaia—better known as “Pecco”—regarding a crucial issue within Ducati’s racing machinery. While Bagnaia has raised concerns that many believe are valid, Dall’Igna appears unwilling to concede. The question this exchange poses for Ducati and its fans alike is whether the 2025 season might be shaped by an internal conflict as much as by the competition on track.

Bagnaia recently pointed to what he perceives as one of Ducati’s biggest problems—a shortcoming in the bike’s feel or feedback, particularly at the front end during braking and corner entry. Though specifics vary, this general issue strikes at the core of performance: without accurate information and response from the front tire and brakes, even the most powerful motorcycle becomes difficult to exploit at its limit. It’s a sentiment echoed across MotoGP when riders demand a more intuitive, confident feeling from the front, especially in treacherous conditions. These frustrations have surfaced repeatedly in Bagnaia’s recent performances. Observers suggest that the current version of Ducati’s package—its aero, frame, chassis and front-end dynamics—has drifted away from the razor-sharp responsiveness Bagnaia expects and was more accustomed to in previous seasons.

Yet when asked about Bagnaia’s critique, Dall’Igna has been clear: he won’t admit that the rider’s diagnosis is correct. According to Ducati’s technical head, the bike has “barely changed”—in his view, any perceived alteration in feeling must stem from external factors or rider adaptation, rather than a genuine flaw or regression in Ducati’s engineering. This is not the first time Ducati has found itself defending its development choices, especially amid complaints that might suggest an acknowledgement of weaknesses. Dall’Igna’s insistence is, therefore, consistent with a long-standing culture in MotoGP where admitting fault can carry both technical and psychological consequences—for the team, the rider, and public perception.

The friction arises in part because Bagnaia is not a rider who usually shies away from criticism. His observations are considered credible, born from both experience and consistency. When he first started raising this issue, inside sources noted engineers were attending intensive meetings to explore potential changes to the front-end setup and overall handling—but progress appears slow. Riders in similar situations often ask for chassis tweaks, suspension adjustments, or even changes to aerodynamic components to restore confidence and reduce sliding or unpredictability at the front.

What complicates matters further is Ducati’s situation in the championship. Bagnaia has felt increasing pressure to match or out-perform his teammate and rivals. In a field where victory margins are measured in tenths or hundredths of a second, any discomfort in front-end control under braking or turn-in can cost dearly. Dall’Igna’s stance might thus derive from the need to maintain team morale, minimize blame, and project stability—not just for fans, but for sponsors and internal stakeholders.

If Ducati and its technical leadership choose to ignore Bagnaia’s concerns flatly, the risk is not only performance decline, but a widening gap between the rider’s expectations and what the bike delivers. Bagnaia has already sounded frustrated in recent outings, and it’s not uncommon in MotoGP for tensions like this to later morph into public criticism, split loyalties within the team’s engineering staff, or even changes in rider strategy.

Looking forward, Ducati faces a challenge that tests both its engineering ability and its communication strategy. On one hand, it must decide whether to investigate Bagnaia’s front-end issue more deeply—and potentially commit to significant adjustments. On the other hand, it must determine how to do so without undermining confidence in its current development path. For Bagnaia, reconciling his need for a bike that “talks to him” with Ducati’s insistence on stability might shape how he battles his rivals for the rest of the season.

The interplay between rider feedback and engineering blame is as old as motorcycle racing itself. In 2025, it may well decide a title. Bagnaia’s critique of Ducati’s front-end feel reflects a genuine concern shared by many in the paddock. Dall’Igna’s refusal to concede could be seen as preserving authority—or as missing an opportunity to propel Ducati forward through constructive adaptation. Either way, this debate is more than just internal squabbling: it is a fundamental moment for Ducati’s performance and for Bagnaia’s chances of chasing glory.