Francesco Bagnaia aims to surpass Alex Marquez and claim second place in the 2025 MotoGP standings following his impressive victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. His recent win at Motegi showcased a strong resurgence in the championship battle, as he gained significant ground against Marquez.
Bagnaia’s Dominant Return to Form at Motegi
The Ducati factory rider delivered a commanding performance at the Motegi circuit, securing his first double victory since the closing race of the 2024 season in Barcelona. This achievement marked a significant turnaround for Bagnaia, who had endured disappointing results just weeks prior, including failing to earn any points in Misano and qualifying 21st in Barcelona.
Although Marc Marquez, Bagnaia’s teammate, clinched the 2025 MotoGP championship title in Japan, the fight for second place remains highly competitive. Alex Marquez currently holds that position with a 66-point advantage while still riding last year’s Ducati. Despite the gap, Bagnaia cut 27 points off Alex Marquez’s lead in Motegi, where the younger Marquez had a subpar weekend, finishing sixth in the grand prix.
Bagnaia’s Determination to Challenge Alex Marquez
When asked if his focus had already shifted toward the 2026 season, Bagnaia clarified that his ambition lies in maximizing his results this year. He stated,
“It’s true that [there is a gap of] 66 points with just five races to go, but the objective is doing the maximum. I really hope to arrive in Indonesia in the same way as I was feeling here, and try to fight against Alex. This is the correct objective right now.”
Bagnaia revealed frustration over not solving his difficulties earlier in the season, acknowledging that the championship standings would look different if he had performed consistently from the start. Reports suggest that Ducati made technical adjustments to Bagnaia’s bike by incorporating elements from their 2024 model, which contributed to his recent strong form.
The rider expressed cautious optimism about sustaining his performance improvements. He explained,
“It’s not convincing, but I really hope it is like this,”
adding that his potential matches what he showed in Motegi, allowing him to compete for victories or podiums regularly. He emphasized,
“I think that my potential is the one [I showed in Motegi], to fight for victory, to fight for a podium every race weekend. Not just because [of my own capabilities], but also because I have the best bike on the grid. So the objective with Ducati is to finish on the podium every race weekend.”
Bagnaia also highlighted the importance of confirming progress over the remaining races and in post-season testing to prepare for next year’s campaign:
“I think that the potential is this one, and not the one I was showing in the last GPs. So I really hope that everything will continue working till Valencia, and then for the test, to understand what things are better to continue for next year.”
Alex Marquez Shifts Focus After Marc’s Championship Win
At Motegi, Alex Marquez was the last rider with the chance to prevent his brother, Marc Marquez, from securing the 2025 MotoGP title. However, the 29-year-old struggled through the weekend, failing to reach Q2 directly on Friday and qualifying only eighth. He finished sixth in the grand prix after missing points in the sprint race.
Alex expressed mixed emotions following Marc’s championship victory, feeling both proud and relieved. He commented,
“I really wanted to extend the championship, to get to Indonesia, to slow Marc down a bit, and all that got to me a bit. I didn’t ride the way I should, [I was] loose with [the] flow, I was very stiff all weekend, and so everything got worse.”
He reflected on the moment Marc crossed the finish line, saying,
“When Marc crossed the finish line and I saw he was winning, it was like a void in my stomach, a ‘that’s it, now I can focus on my own stuff.’”
Alex concluded by sharing his respect for his brother’s achievement and his own plans ahead:
“When he crossed the finish line, I was the happiest brother in the world because if anyone deserves it, it’s him. Now it’s time to celebrate, but I still have work to do and a mission ahead of me.”
Implications for the Season Finale and Beyond
With five races left in the 2025 MotoGP season, Francesco Bagnaia’s steady recovery and technical gains from Ducati have placed him within striking distance of second place in the championship, despite the points gap to Alex Marquez. The showdown between Bagnaia and Marquez promises intense competition as the season heads toward Indonesia and eventually concludes in Valencia.
Bagnaia’s drive to secure consistent podium finishes highlights the significance of machine development and rider adaptability in the final stages of the championship. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez’s shift in focus following his brother’s title victory may lead to renewed determination in upcoming races.
The ongoing battle for runner-up honors not only underscores Ducati’s strong presence but also sets the stage for the teams and riders to refine strategies and performance for the next season. The developments in the concluding rounds and post-season testing will be crucial in shaping the competitive landscape of the 2026 MotoGP championship.
