Ducati Motorsport Director Gigi Dall’Igna sees the cause of Marc Marquez’s crash in “excessive self-confidence” – Great joy for Bagnaia’s victory
With Francesco Bagnaia’s victory at the American Grand Prix, Ducati has equaled an MV Agusta mark. It was the 20th consecutive victory. The next record mark is already within reach. Honda has the longest uninterrupted winning streak at 22.
In addition, Ducati continued to have a flawless record in the 2025 MotoGP season, with all six podiums taken in all six races. “Twentieth victory in a row – and another brilliant podium formed by our three teams,” Gigi Dall’Igna rejoices.
The big loser of the day was Marc Marquez, who made his first big mistake this year. With his crash on a still-damp curb, the Spaniard missed the chance to continue his unbeaten streak.
The Ducati Motorsport Director commented: “Marc once again confirmed his strength and showed his true character. He took the lead with an explosive start and held it confidently until halfway through the race.”
“Then the mistake, probably due to excessive self-confidence. This adds to the disappointment of a race he had in his grasp and dominated – but that’s how racing goes. For him, it’s a bitter slip-up at one of his favorite tracks.”
“But if it had to happen, at least Marc’s mistake cleared the way for ‘Pecco’ to redeem himself – a real boost of confidence that was indeed urgently needed!” After a difficult start to the season, things went much better for Bagnaia in Austin.
Bagnaia draws confidence from Austin win
He was already closer to the Marquez brothers in the sprint. In the Grand Prix, he overtook Alex Marquez and, after Marc Marquez’s crash, rode a flawless race to victory. Bagnaia was visibly relieved on the podium and celebrated wildly.
“He was long overdue for a victory,“ emphasizes Dall’Igna, ‘and a convincing race like this one – I’m glad he made it happen. The unbridled euphoria at the finish says everything about his unconditional will to win.’
”Just like his desire for satisfaction, which he demonstrated with that spirited braking maneuver against Alex. A sweet victory, which is extremely important and boosts morale at an extremely sensitive moment.“
”We have worked well, steadily improving and working towards that optimal driving feel that ‘Pecco’ demands. My sincere thanks go to the team. But we must not let up – and above all, we must not be distracted by this victory.”
Praise for Alex Marquez and the VR46 duo
The three-way battle for the world championship title intensified in Austin. Alex Marquez now leads the overall standings by one point ahead of his brother Marc and twelve ahead of Bagnaia. In the team standings, the factory team, VR46 and Gresini hold the top three spots.
“Bravo, Alex Marquez,” Dall’Igna praised the Gresini spearhead. ‘Such consistency and stability at the start of the championship. While he waits for his first MotoGP victory, he now looks down on the rest of the field from the top of the standings.’
Hot on the heels of the big three so far this season are the VR46 duo. In Argentina, Franco Morbidelli took third place in the Grand Prix. Now in Austin, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli finished in fourth and fifth place in the sprint.
On Sunday, they moved up after Marc Marquez crashed. Third place was the first podium finish for “Diggia” since his sensational victory in the night race in Qatar in the fall of 2023, which ultimately saved his career.
Dall’Igna is also very satisfied with his two Italian compatriots: “An outstanding performance from Di Giannantonio, who is once again mixing it at the front with a hard-fought and determined race.”
“Also noteworthy: Morbidelli, who asserted himself among the protagonists in a race that was less than strong for him.” Dall’Igna also gave special praise to rookie Fermin Aldeguer for his learning curve.