The MotoGP community has been shaken by recent claims that Valentino Rossi’s inner circle may have led Pecco Bagnaia to underestimate the challenge posed by Marc Marquez, fueling the ongoing Marc Marquez MotoGP rivalry ahead of the 2025 season. This allegation—voiced by Paolo Simoncelli, owner of the SIC58 Moto3 team—has intensified scrutiny around Bagnaia’s performance and mindset as the battle for supremacy escalates.
Ducati’s Shifting Fortunes and the Rise of Marquez
Pecco Bagnaia soared to the top of MotoGP with back-to-back championship wins in 2022 and 2023, amassing 11 grand prix victories in the previous season. However, the current 2025 campaign has proven far more challenging for the Ducati star, who now sits in fifth place overall with only two wins, his season marked by inconsistent results. In stark contrast, Marc Marquez has reasserted his dominance, capturing his seventh MotoGP championship with 11 grand prix wins and an impressive 14 sprint race victories. The dramatic reversal in fortunes for Bagnaia has sparked rumors and debate regarding the role played by external influences, particularly Rossi’s camp.
Simoncelli’s Claims: Underestimation and Ill-Preparedness
In a candid interview with Corriere della Sera, Paolo Simoncelli expressed his view that Bagnaia’s current slump may trace back to the influence of Valentino Rossi’s group. Simoncelli suggested that internal discussions and perhaps excessive praise for Bagnaia had skewed his perspective, causing him to downplay the threat posed by Marquez and the fierce level of competition in MotoGP.
“Pecco comes from Valentino Rossi’s group, and after hearing everything they say in that group, he underestimated Marquez.”
— Paolo Simoncelli, Owner SIC58 Moto3
Simoncelli further addressed suggestions that the stress of sharing the Ducati team with Marquez had affected Bagnaia’s racing. While both Bagnaia and Ducati officials have rejected claims that rivalry with a new teammate caused his underperformance, Simoncelli countered that Bagnaia may have fallen short in preparing himself mentally and tactically for such a formidable competitor.
“He wasn’t prepared for such a strong teammate,”
— Paolo Simoncelli, Owner SIC58 Moto3
Ducati Tensions and the History of Rivalries
The dynamic within Ducati shifted dramatically with Marquez’s signing for the 2025 season, provoking heated reactions among Rossi supporters and further fueling the longstanding and often heated rivalry between Marquez and Rossi—a feud that dates back to their notorious fallout in 2015. This storied history has heightened tensions as the two icons now find themselves in direct competition once again, with Bagnaia caught in the crossfire of fan allegiance and team expectations.
Simoncelli’s Admiration for Marquez’s Determination
Paolo Simoncelli, still deeply affected by the loss of his son Marco Simoncelli in 2011, has openly declared his respect for Marquez’s relentless style. Drawing a personal connection, he likened the Spanish champion’s spirit to that of his late son.
“I knew Marc was the strongest. He rides and thinks like my son; he never gives up and always tries.”
— Paolo Simoncelli, Owner SIC58 Moto3
What Lies Ahead in the Marquez-Bagnaia Rivalry?
With the 2025 season now under the microscope, Bagnaia faces immense pressure to prove he can rise above the noise and recapture his top form. The Marc Marquez MotoGP rivalry has injected fresh drama into the series, raising questions about team dynamics, the weight of past allegiances, and the role of psychological preparation. As the battles on track continue, the MotoGP community, including racers like Jack Miller and observers such as Guenther Steiner—who has compared Marquez to Max Verstappen—wait with anticipation to see whether Bagnaia can mount a serious challenge or if Marquez will continue his reign unchallenged. The outcome promises to shape the next chapter in a legacy of unforgettable clashes on racing’s biggest stage.
