Ducati: Moto3 'important', first 'we must complete the job' in MotoGP

It's a story that has been rumbling since 2016, but Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna is 'still convinced' it's important for the factory to eventually join the Moto3 World Championship.

"I think [Moto3] is the most important class to develop the rider and to understand the potential of the rider," Dall’Igna said.

"So I'm still convinced that for Ducati, to join that class is important, but first of all we have to complete the job in MotoGP."

Completing the job means winning the MotoGP title after finishing runner-up with Andrea Dovizioso for the past two seasons, behind Honda's Marc Marquez.

But what does Dall’Igna think Ducati is missing to finally claim its first MotoGP crown since Casey Stoner in 2007?

"I think that we've closed the gap in terms of speed in the middle in corner," he said. "In the past we were struggling quite a lot.

"Now for sure we've reduced the gap with Honda - and not only Honda - in that area, but without losing anything in any other riding phase.

"But still I think that we have to push to improve [more] in that area."

With the Aspar team selling its grid places to Sepang Yamaha, there will be two less Ducatis on the grid in 2019.

Dall’Igna said the loss will be felt financially rather than technically, but that they will gain in terms of simplification since the remaining six machines will be either GP19 or GP18 spec, compared to the three models on this year's grid.

"Next year we have two bikes less, this for sure is a shame in terms of money because for sure to have more teams helps us in terms of economics," said the Italian.

"But in the end we've simplified the system because until 2018 we had three specs on the grid and this is not easy to manage [spare parts etc]. For next season, we just have three riders with 2018 bikes, another three with 2019 bikes.

"So for sure we gain less money, but in terms of simplification this is a step forward and I always prefer to see the glass half full!"

The latest GP19s will be used by factory team riders Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci, plus Pramac's Jack Miller next season.

Miller's rookie team-mate Francesco Bagnaia, plus Avintia's Tito Rabat and Karel Abraham will have this year's GP18s.

Meanwhile, MotoGP rivals Honda and KTM are the only manufacturers currently taking part in the Moto3 class.