Bartolini, Ducati's vehicle performance engineer and Dall'Igna's right-hand man, left the Italian manufacturer to join rival Yamaha as the Japanese brand went on a recruitment drive to bolster its technical line-up in an attempt to return to the front of the field.
While the news was welcomed by Yamaha, it was a blow for Ducati, aware of the gap left by the Italian in the racing department of the Borgo Panigale company, and of the revitalisation that he could bring to the Japanese manufacturer.
Bartolini's farewell was particularly painful for Dall'Igna, who has lost his right-hand man as well as a friend.
"Max has worked with me for many years and was a key person within Ducati Corse," Dall'Igna told Autosport. "With his experience and his knowledge of our bike, he can bring a lot to Yamaha.
"I was very disappointed to see him leave, because of his technical profile and because of who he is as a person."
Despite the disappointment, Dall'Igna is aware of the opportunity that Bartolini's offer from Yamaha presented to him, so he fully understands why he accepted it.
"Max has taken an important step forward in his career, so I understand the nature of his decision and I can't say anything about it," Dall'Igna added.
Source: Autosport