Marc Marquez is asserting his dominance in the MotoGP 2025 season, leading the championship by a staggering margin of over one hundred points. This remarkable performance comes despite his brother, Alex Marquez, suffering a serious injury at Assen, and amidst struggles from teammatePecco Bagnaia, who is finding it difficult to perform optimally on the Ducati Desmosedici. The contrasting fortunes of the two riders have sparked intense debate, with veteran analyst Carlo Pernat stepping up to defend Marquez’s rise.
Carlo Pernat Praises Marquez and Highlights Leadership Amid Season Controversies
Carlo Pernat did not hesitate to commend Marquez’s outstanding skill, describing him straightforwardly as “a phenomenon.” Pernat also drew attention to the critical role of Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna’s president, who has managed the season’s numerous behind-the-scenes issues effectively. This year’s championship has witnessed several controversies, such as Jorge Martin’s difficulties with Aprilia and multiple riders attempting contract changes to switch teams. Pernat stated,
“Only true leaders can execute maneuvers like those of Carmelo Ezpeleta,”
recognizing Ezpeleta’s ability to maintain stability within the paddock.
Yamaha’s Team Challenges as New Talent Arrives
As Yamaha welcomes Toprak Razgatlioglu, competition for factory rides has intensified among five riders competing for only four bikes. Pernat suggested that Yamaha might look to relieve one rider from the lineup, pointing out Alex Rins’s ongoing injury troubles. He said,
Image of: Marc Marquez
“I think it’s more likely that Yamaha will offer a way out to Alex Rins,”
and questioned if Jack Miller could be the rider to lose his seat, although he expressed doubts given Miller’s recent endurance racing performance at Suzuka.
Honda Faces Criticism Over Talent Recruitment Decisions
Honda has come under fire for turning down promising riders like Pedro Acosta and Jorge Martin, decisions Pernat criticized openly. He remarked,
“The refusals of Acosta and Martín didn’t leave a good impression.”
Meanwhile, he questioned Johann Zarco’s continuation with the LCRteam in contrast to the tougher seasons endured by Joan Mir and Luca Marini, stating,
“Zarco’s retention at LCR seems a bit strange,”
highlighting the uneven results within the team.
Pernat Responds Fiercely to Accusations of Ducati Abandoning Bagnaia
Following Alex Barros’s claims that Ducati has “abandoned”Pecco Bagnaia, Pernat launched a vehement rebuttal, dismissing the allegations as “nonsense.” He defended Ducati’s decision to bring Marquez onto the team, asserting that criticising this move overlooks the necessity to improve the GP25 bike’s competitiveness. Pernat emphasized,
“This time, he said a foolish thing,”
backing Gigi Dall’Igna’s strategy as crucial for the team’s success.
Breaking with Tradition: Ducati’s Shift in Rider Development Philosophy
Pernat acknowledged that Ducati’s recruitment of Marquez marked a significant change from their history of developing riders internally. He admitted,
“I have criticized this decision myself, as it disrupted a history where the brand cultivated its champions internally,”
but also conceded that,
“It’s impossible to say it wasn’t the right decision.”
This shows that while the move may be controversial, it has brought tangible benefits amid the challenges of the season.
Continued Support for Ducati’s Riders Despite Difficult Circumstances
Emphasizing Ducati’s ongoing commitment to its athletes, Pernat recalled the team’s history of providing second chances for riders such as Jack Miller, Andrea Dovizioso, and Enea Bastianini. He insisted,
“It is false to claim Ducati abandons Pecco. They have always aided everyone,”
underlining the team’s dedication despite the current season’s difficulties.
What Lies Ahead for Ducati and the MotoGP Championship Battle?
Carlo Pernat’s firm defense of Ducati and Marc Marquez signals that despite the unrest and tough choices, the Italian manufacturer continues to be a strong contender in the 2025 season. The pivotal question remains whether Pecco Bagnaia can recover from his slump or if Marquez will maintain his commanding lead. As the season progresses, the unfolding rivalry promises to keep fans and experts alike on edge.
