The 2025 MotoGP season has seen Alex Márquez fighting fiercely on track, currently holding second place in the championship behind his brother Marc Márquez. Riding for Gresini Ducati, Alex has delivered an impressive performance with six podium finishes in the first nine rounds, highlighted by a standout victory in Jerez. However, recent rounds have proven difficult after a harsh crash at Assen and penalties at the Austrian Grand Prix forced him into a tenth-place finish, reducing his momentum with just one podium across the last four races.
Amid this challenging period, Alex’s closest competitor for the runner-up position has been Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the two-time champion who has struggled significantly, scoring only eight points at the Red Bull Ring. Despite Alex himself facing setbacks, he managed to outscore Bagnaia—collecting 15 points and finishing second in the Saturday Sprint at Spielberg. Yet, rather than relishing Bagnaia’s troubles, Alex expressed empathy for the Italian rider’s plight.
“I don’t take joy in what Pecco is going through. It’s tough to see him struggling,”
—Alex Márquez
“This weekend, despite the penalty, we not only managed to maintain our lead over Pecco, but we came out ahead. It’s a positive sign. But MotoGP needs the Pecco of old—his best self—for the sake of the sport.”
—Alex Márquez
The Psychological Challenge Behind Sharing the Grid with Marc Márquez
Alex Márquez is no stranger to mental pressure, particularly given the constant comparisons and competition with his brother Marc, who dominates the championship in 2025. He acknowledges that having a teammate like Marc, who consistently performs at an exceptional level on the same machinery, creates a unique psychological challenge not only for himself but also for other Ducati riders such as Bagnaia.
“When you have a teammate like Marc, who can dominate on the same bike, it can lead to self-doubt. It’s not just Pecco; all Ducati riders feel this pressure. They see Marc pulling ahead by two tenths, and it’s difficult to understand how to close that gap,”
—Alex Márquez
This candid insight reveals how Marc’s unwavering superiority can unsettle even highly skilled riders, contributing to the mental struggles seen throughout the field.
Belief in Bagnaia’s Return to Form
Despite Bagnaia’s current third place and a considerable deficit of 197 points behind Marc, Alex remains confident that the Italian rider will reclaim his form. He stresses that Bagnaia’s intelligence and ability remain intact, and with the right weekend, the two-time champion will return to his strongest performance.
“Pecco is incredibly intelligent and capable. I have no doubt he’ll analyze his situation and, once he has a perfect weekend, he’ll get back to his usual level. He hasn’t lost his talent; he just needs to align everything for the race.”
—Alex Márquez
For Alex, this rivalry goes deeper than competition—it represents a fundamental respect and recognition of the sport’s need for thrilling, high-level battles. He understands that MotoGP thrives when riders like Bagnaia are performing at their peak, intensifying the drama for fans and participants alike.
Looking Ahead to the Season’s Crucial Final Stages
As the MotoGP season approaches its most demanding phase, the spotlight remains firmly on Marc Márquez’s dominant push for the title and Alex’s effort to solidify his position as runner-up. Meanwhile, all eyes are on whether Bagnaia can end his slump and reestablish himself as a competitive force. This unfolding rivalry and the mental resilience of these top contenders will shape the championship’s climax, promising high tension and compelling racing as the season reaches its conclusion.
