The Ducati Lenovo Team's recent struggles in MotoGP have brought back memories of their challenging past. It's a stark contrast to the team's recent success, and the current streak of eight races without a win or podium is a worrying trend.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the team's ability to bounce back from adversity. In 2025, they experienced a brutal end to the season with injuries and retirements, yet they managed to secure a pole-Sprint-grand prix treble. This resilience is a testament to their fighting spirit.
However, the current season has seen a different story unfold. Marc Marquez, the team's star rider, has won two Sprints but has also retired from two grands prix. His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, has faced similar struggles, with a lack of pace and retirements from races. This has led to a nine-race podium drought, the team's longest since 2012-2014.
Personally, I think this streak is a wake-up call for the Ducati Lenovo Team. It highlights the importance of consistency and the need to address the underlying issues. The team's success in the intervening years should not be taken for granted, and they must find a way to regain their winning form.
The manufacturer, Ducati, is also facing a winless drought, which adds to the pressure. It's ironic that Alex Marquez, riding for Gresini Racing, ended their streak at Jerez. This raises a deeper question about the team dynamics and the impact of rider performance on the overall success.
Heading into Le Mans, Bagnaia's title hopes are slim, but Marquez still has a chance. He's currently 44 points behind the leader, Marco Bezzecchi. This gap is significant, but not insurmountable, and it will be interesting to see if Marquez can mount a comeback.
In my opinion, the Ducati Lenovo Team's current struggles are a reminder of the challenges faced by even the most successful teams. It's a testament to the competitive nature of MotoGP and the constant need for improvement. The team's ability to learn from this experience and adapt will be crucial for their future success.
