Why Francesco Bagnaia tried to leave Thailand Grand Prix press conference early after Marc Marquez defeat

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Ducati enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 MotoGP season with Marc Marquez winning the Thailand Grand Prix. However, it was a frustrating weekend for teammate Francesco Bagnaia.

The Italian is looking to bounce back this season after losing the title to Jorge Martin by 10 points in 2924. But Marquez showed he has the advantage at Ducati with his dominance in Buriram.

While Marquez took pole position, Bagnaia was impeded by Franco Morbidelli in practice. Subsequently, the 28-year-old missed out on the top 10 and had to go through Q1.

Mat Oxley fumed at Morbidelli’s ‘hopeless’ actions towards Bagnaia – he was handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding the Ducati rider. Bagnaia was also angry with race officials for deleting his previous lap due to an unnecessary yellow flag.

The Italian fought back to finish P3 in the Sprint, but could not offer a challenge to his teammate or his brother Alex Marquez. Bagnaia was anonymous in the Grand Prix on Sunday as he again finished third behind Marc and Alex.

Francesco Bagnaia tried to leave Thailand Grand Prix press conference early due to questions about the Marquez brothers

The Thailand Grand Prix marked the first time two brothers finished in the top two in MotoGP history. Father Julia Marquez was ‘overwhelmed’ as Marc and Alex finished one and two in the Sprint and Grand Prix.

Neil Hodgson noticed through Bagnaia’s body language after the race that he felt battered after his defeat to Marquez. The Spaniard dealt a ‘knockout blow’ to the two-time champion – and that was more apparent in the press conference.

Speaking on the Paddock Pass Podcast, journalist Adam Wheeler shared how Bagnaia tried to leave the press conference early. He was ‘tired’ of being the ‘plus one on the Marquez show’.

“Bagnaia, he was interesting, studying him in the press conference because a lot of the questions were obviously focused towards Marc and Alex and the whole family dynamic, which was a pretty big thing for MotoGP as well.

“When the English version of the press conference finished, there’s a new system now where the Spanish and Italian or the native speaking journalists can ask questions.

“And Pecco just sort of uttered something in Italian to one of the Dorna staff as if to say: ‘Can I go now? Can I be free?’

“And they were like: ‘Well no, can you hang on for the Italian questions?’ His face was a pitcher, I think he was already a little bit tired of being a plus one on the Marquez show.”

Francesco Bagnaia will not like Luigi Dall’Igna’s reaction to Marc Marquez’s win

Bagnaia is looking to stamp his authority in MotoGP after Martin’s exit from Pramac to Aprilia and win the title. But it is clear the Italian is on the backfoot against Marquez.

Luigi Dall’Igna kissed Marquez’s number on his bike after the race in Buriram – something Bagnaia will not like amid their rivalry and battle for the championship.

Bagnaia admits Marquez had another level in Thailand that he could not match. Heading into Argentina and Austin – two strong tracks for the Spaniard – he may face more difficulties against his teammate.

Sylvain Guintoli sees Qatar as Bagnaia’s ‘first chance’ to ‘really’ beat Marquez. The Italian will not be wanting to wait that long to get the edge over his teammate.