Ducati’s Clever Trick Boosts Marquez at Balaton Park

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse’s star rider, secured victory at the 2025 Hungarian MotoGP at Balaton Park, leveraging a brilliant engineering tweak by Ducati. This strategic adjustment gave Marquez a crucial edge on the debutant circuit.

Innovative Swingarm Adjustment at Balaton Park

The Balaton Park circuit, new to the MotoGP calendar, sparked debate over its racing quality and safety features. However, Ducati’s engineers devised an unconventional solution to tackle its unique layout. Sylvain Guintoli of TNT Sports revealed that, contrary to typical approaches for smaller tracks, Ducati extended the swingarm of their bikes. Normally, teams shorten the swingarm to enhance rear grip and agility on tight circuits. Instead, Ducati’s decision to lengthen it improved braking stability and weight distribution to the front wheel.

“This was a brilliant move,” Guintoli noted, citing Alessio ‘Uccio’ Salucci. “By extending the swingarm, Ducati reduced excessive rear grip, which had been pushing the front during corner entry. This provided better braking stability and agility in the slow, tight chicanes.” The adjustment proved particularly effective for Marquez, whose bike featured an notably long swingarm, enhancing his performance on the challenging track.

Marquez’s Dominance Amid Fierce Competition

Marquez capitalized on this tweak to claim his seventh consecutive grand prix win. However, only three Ducati riders finished in the top ten: Marquez in first, Franco Morbidelli of VR46 in sixth, and Pecco Bagnaia in ninth. Fabio Di Giannantonio, the sprint race runner-up, faced a setback, starting from the pitlane due to technical

issues during the warm-up lap.

While the swingarm adjustment provided a technical advantage, Marquez’s skill was the deciding factor. He faced stiff competition from Pedro Acosta of KTM and Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia. In a sport where minute details matter, Ducati’s innovative approach helped Marquez navigate Balaton Park’s tight corners and demanding braking zones.

Outlook for the Championship

Marquez’s triumph at Balaton Park solidified his lead in the 2025 MotoGP championship. Ducati’s technical innovation underscores their ability to adapt to new challenges, boosting confidence among their riders. Moving forward, the team will likely refine this strategy for other unique circuits. With Marquez’s exceptional form and Ducati’s engineering prowess, the team is well-positioned to maintain its dominance. The upcoming races will test the consistency of this approach, offering rivals a chance to challenge Marquez’s reign.