Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez are set to produce an intense battle for the 2025 MotoGP title at Ducati.
The pair create arguably the strongest rider line-up in recent MotoGP history. With eight titles between them, they will be looking to add another this year.
Bagnaia missed out on a third consecutive title to Jorge Martin by just 10 points. With the defending champion now on an inferior bike at Aprilia, the Italian has a great chance for the title in 2025.
But his teammate will provide serious competition on equal machinery. Marquez won three races on the year-old GP23 last year as he finished third in the standings.
The factory Ducati team will certainly be the favourites for the title this year. They finished a staggering 203 points ahead of Pramac to top the teams’ standings in 2024.
Francesco Bagnaia backs himself to win the 2025 MotoGP title
The GP24 bike won 16 out of 20 races last season – Bagnaia winning 11 of them. Naturally, he is the clear favourite in 2025.
However, the Italian is still hurt by his loss to Martin in 2024. His poor starts off the line and three retirements ultimately proved costly.
Bagnaia even thought about his mistakes on his honeymoon as he could not shake the defeat. The 28-year-old will have to get his head clear to battle at the front in 2025.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
Pre-season testing has been mixed for the Italian. Bagnaia was far from happy on day one in Buriram after suffering multiple issues with his bike while his teammate set the fastest time.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old is looking to fight for a third championship. Speaking on After The Flag after day two in Thailand, Bagnaia is backing himself to go all the way.
When asked who will win the 2025 title, he simply replied: “Me. Me, obviously. I will do my maximum”.
Marc Marquez refused to say he is a title contender in 2025
Since joining the factory Ducati team, Marquez has repeatedly played down his title chances, stressing he is aiming for a top-three finish.
Marquez’s season objectives ‘rolled eyes’ at Ducati’s press conference after their 2025 bike launch. Not many are buying the Spanaird’s reserved outlook on the season.
After topping both days in Buriram, the six-time champion refused to say who will be the 2025 champion. Marquez highlighted the competition he will face from the likes of Pedro Acosta, Martin and his brother Alex Marquez.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
“I will not say”, he said. “Of course we will try to fight for it but I know that I have a very strong teammate. I have a very strong housemate, my brother Alex!
“But he was super fast during all of pre-season and today also finished second. So yeah, will be very different opponents, that can be Acosta.
“We will see how Martin can be with Aprilia, don’t forget Martin. He’s a very good rider. And Bezzecchi shows that Aprilia is working well. So, [we’ll] try to do our job in our garage and let’s see what we can do”.
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