Imagine being a two-time MotoGP world champion, only to find yourself unexpectedly overshadowed by a new team-mate. That’s exactly what Pecco Bagnaia experienced when Marc Marquez joined the Ducati factory team in 2025. But here’s where it gets intriguing: instead of the expected rivalry, Bagnaia found the partnership surprisingly positive—a revelation that’s as refreshing as it is unexpected.
Last year, Marc Marquez sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock by publicly rejecting a seat with the Pramac Ducati squad for 2025. He demanded nothing less than a factory bike, either with Gresini or the Ducati factory team itself. Ducati, in a surprising U-turn, granted his wish, sidelining their original plan to promote 2024 world champion Jorge Martin. With Marquez stepping into Bagnaia’s territory, the stage seemed set for fireworks. After all, Marquez’s reputation for being fiercely competitive—even with his own team-mates—preceded him.
And this is the part most people miss: despite Marquez’s dominance in 2025, clinching the title with 11 grand prix victories compared to Bagnaia’s mere two, the latter has found the experience surprisingly enriching. In a candid interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Bagnaia admitted, ‘At first, I was a little worried. He always said he put sticks in the wheels even of his team-mates. Instead, it has surprised me. Experiencing him as a team-mate has been very positive.’
But here’s the controversial bit: Could Marquez’s presence actually be a blessing in disguise for Bagnaia? While many speculate that Marquez’s psychological edge has rattled Bagnaia, the Italian rider paints a different picture. ‘In Japan, we went to a karaoke bar, drinking sake [after Marquez won his seventh world title]. It was fun,’ Bagnaia recalled. ‘He is one of the strongest riders in history; in recent years, he has been dominant. You can only learn from Marc.’
However, Bagnaia’s struggles this season have been undeniable. After a promising breakthrough in Japan, where he swept the weekend on a bike featuring GP24 parts, he plummeted down the order again at Mandalika, scoring zero points in two races. What went wrong? Even Bagnaia seems at a loss to explain.
Adding to the drama, Marquez will miss the upcoming Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix due to a right shoulder injury sustained in Indonesia. Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will step in as his replacement, but only for the Australian Grand Prix—leaving fans and pundits alike wondering how this will further impact Bagnaia’s season.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Is Marquez’s absence an opportunity for Bagnaia to reclaim his confidence, or will the psychological weight of his team-mate’s success continue to loom large? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
