MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez has expressed confidence that his Ducati teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, possesses the talent necessary to overcome a difficult 2025 season and return to top form. Despite Marquez’s success with the factory Ducati team this year, Bagnaia is facing one of the toughest stretches of his MotoGP career.
After the Hungarian Grand Prix in August, Marquez noted that Bagnaia needs to rebuild his confidence to start competing at the front of the pack again. However, the Italian rider’s struggles continued, finishing ninth at Balaton Park and then qualifying 21st for the Catalan Grand Prix, increasing pressure on him as the season advances.
Challenges and Pressure Impacting Bagnaia’s Performance
Marquez acknowledged that Bagnaia is experiencing a challenging stage in his career, compounded by the growing scrutiny from media and fans. The two-time MotoGP champion hopes Bagnaia can reverse the downturn and contribute fully to Ducati’s ongoing success.
I’m not the [best] person to give advice to Pecco, because he has his team and his people around him, and they have a lot of experience here and they will help him,
said Marquez, referring to Francesco Bagnaia, who trails him by 250 points after 15 rounds. —Marc Marquez, Ducati Team
Marquez emphasized his desire to see both Ducati riders competing at the highest level, as this would enhance the team’s development of their future motorcycles. He also highlighted the personal competitive dynamic within the team.
“But I want the best for Ducati, and for Ducati, we need both riders there on the top and fighting for the top positions, because it will be better to develop the bike for the future.
In the end, I want to beat everybody. I want to beat my team-mate and I want to beat my brother [Alex Marquez, second in the standings] and I want to beat everybody. But I don’t want to see that somebody is suffering like Pecco [is] right now.
It’s something that is not easy for riders when they are in a difficult moment. It’s difficult to forget, because every day you are [talking to] journalists. Every day, you [the media] are doing your job and asking the same question. And this is something [that is] hard for us, for the athletes, but we need to accept.
But it’s the first time in his career that he’s in that situation. But he has enough talent to go up from that hole.
Technical Issues and Ducati’s Equipment Changes
Bagnaia has suggested that a key element of his decline this season is difficulty adapting to the Ducati GP25 motorcycle’s characteristics. Initially, Ducati planned to keep the 2024 engine specification across all six bikes on the grid. However, a last-minute update provided Bagnaia, Marquez, and Fabio di Giannantonio with a newer engine model for better performance potential.
But in the end, I want the best for Ducati. And with Pecco, we have a very similar comment. And if it’s working for me, it will work for him, and the opposite.
Marquez recalled their aligned testing feedback during sessions in Thailand and Malaysia, confirming that their riding approaches and preferences were consistent, which supports Ducati’s ongoing efforts to finalize a setup beneficial for both riders. He also clarified that their current machine is essentially based on the GP24 with some aerodynamic upgrades.
These technical factors have added layers to the challenges Bagnaia faces, affecting his ability to generate speed and confidence on track, thereby influencing his results this year.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Bagnaia’s Revival for Ducati
The significance of Bagnaia’s resurgence extends beyond individual glory. Marquez explained that having two competitive Ducati riders is crucial for the team’s development strategy and overall competitiveness in MotoGP. A strong Bagnaia would boost Ducati’s performance and contribute to a more intense intra-team rivalry that could drive both riders to higher standards.
As the season moves forward, the focus will remain on whether Bagnaia can regain his form and confidence, overcoming the pressures and technical adjustments that have hindered him. Marquez’s public support and belief in his teammate’s talent highlight Ducati’s determination to maintain its dominant presence in the championship battles ahead.
