Francesco Bagnaia could ask Valentino Rossi to do one thing if he has Marc Marquez grievances at Ducati

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Francesco Bagnaia will be able to count on the support of Valentino Rossi as he faces a potential MotoGP title battle with Marc Marquez this season. Bagnaia and Marquez go head-to-head at Ducati in a blockbuster line-up.

Bagnaia, a product of the VR46 academy, took the crown in 2022 and 2023. Jorge Martin dethroned him last year, with Marquez third after his move to Gresini.

It was clear that Bagnaia would be up against a champion this year. Luigi Dall’Igna and Ducati ultimately went with Marquez, who hasn’t won the title since 2019 but is one of the most successful riders in MotoGP history.

Rossi retired from the premier class at the end of the 2021 season, but his rivalry with Marquez has continued. They have been at odds for the best part of 10 years.

In 2015, Rossi accused Marquez of conspiring against him in his title battle with Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo. They collided in Malaysia, and the resulting penalty relegated The Doctor to the back of the grid for the title decider in Valencia.

The close relationship between Rossi and Bagnaia could, then, be a point of tension at Ducati this year. It’s something Dall’Igna will have to manage as he tries to prevent the kind of hostility that could affect the team’s results.

Francesco Bagnaia ally Valentino Rossi could use press to ‘let rip’ on Marc Marquez

Bagnaia insists he’ll remain a gentleman this year, refusing to play any mind games with Marquez. But speaking on the Crash.net podcast, journalist Lewis Duncan pointed out that he could apply pressure indirectly.

Bagnaia doesn’t need to engage in any public disputes with Marquez. Instead, he can enlist Rossi to be his mouthpiece.

The Italian will turn to ‘allies’ in the media and ‘let rip’. He could offer a scathing interview, or act as an unnamed source.

“The elephant in the room we have to address is the Rossi factor,” Duncan said. “Ultimately, Pecco Bagnaia does not need to say anything. If he has a problem, he’ll let his pal do it, he’ll let Valentino do it.

“That’ll be what will help Pecco a lot this season. He doesn’t need to get involved in any he said, she said. If anything happens, Valentino will be the first one to find some press allies, and he’ll let rip.”

Valentino Rossi said Pecco Bagnaia had to give 5% more in 2025 – here’s how Ducati rider responded

Bagnaia thought about his 2024 mistakes on his honeymoon after losing out on the title. If his confidence is shaken, his new teammate may sense it.

Marquez insisted he wasn’t aiming for the title at Ducati’s launch event. Cynically, one could argue that he was trying to pile the pressure on Bagnaia, who has been with the team far longer.

Rossi has offered his compatriot some key advice ahead of the new season, warning that he must give 5% more. He took 11 wins to Martin’s three last year but still lost out.

Bagnaia responded to Rossi as Ducati revealed their GP25 bike. He says the key to winning the championship lies not in performance, but in consistency.