As MotoGP moves towards a pivotal moment at the Motegi circuit, Marc Marquez is poised to claim his ninth world championship, using the Ducati GP25 to impressive effect. However, while Marquez’s performances highlight Ducati’s current strength, concerns grow around teammate Francesco Bagnaia, whose sharp decline is casting a shadow over the team’s future. The Spanish rider has made it clear that Ducati’s long-term prospects depend on both riders performing at their peak.
Bagnaia’s Struggle and Its Impact on Ducati
Bagnaia’s 2025 campaign has been troubling, recording only one victory in Austin, which came after Marquez’s unfortunate crash. His difficulty in handling the GP25 has led to a string of subpar results, undermining expectations that he and Marquez would jointly dominate the series. What seemed to be a strong duo driving Ducati forward has instead become imbalanced, with Marquez emerging as the clear leader while Bagnaia falters.
Marquez Calls for Dual Performance to Secure Ducati’s Future
Marquez’s recent statements to the paddock were unequivocal, making it clear to Ducati’s management in Borgo Panigale that the team cannot rely on one rider alone.
If we want the best for the project, both our riders need to be at the front.
– Marc Marquez, Rider
This is both a rallying cry and a pointed warning: Ducati’s hopes for sustained success require consistency from all its riders. In a fiercely competitive field including KTM, Aprilia, Honda, and Yamaha, having only one competitive bike is insufficient for maintaining their dominant position.
Ducati’s Pressure on Bagnaia to Recover Quickly
The message is clear—Bagnaia cannot depend on his previous achievements to secure his future with Ducati. Without a resurgence in form, the Italian team risks undermining their championship ambitions. Marquez’s ability to win races cannot alone sustain Ducati’s overall success, as the upcoming seasons demand a united front.
The High Stakes for Ducati’s Championship Strategy
With Bagnaia’s decline showing no immediate signs of reversal, Ducati faces a critical dilemma about the composition of its team moving forward. The season’s unfolding drama has captured worldwide attention, as Ducati’s future now hinges on whether Bagnaia can reclaim his status or if the team must rethink its approach to securing MotoGP titles. The coming races will be decisive for both riders and the storied Italian manufacturer alike.
