Davide Tardozzi offers one-word explanation for Francesco Bagnaia’s Grand Prix of Americas transformation

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Francesco Bagnaia has forced himself back into the MotoGP championship fight and reminded everyone why he is a double world champion with a fantastic Grand Prix of Americas performance.

The Italian rider was able to bide his time behind teammate Marc Marquez after having a good start before the Spaniard fell off his bike in the first sector while taking too much kerb.

Wet conditions played havoc with many riders, but Bagnaia was patient and waited for his opportunity. When it came, he cruised home.

Neither factory Ducati bike now leads the riders’ championship, with Gresini’s Alex Marquez on top after six consecutive second-place finishes in 2025.

After a thrilling Grand Prix of Americas, where Neil Hodgson ‘couldn’t believe’ Marquez’s crash, the premier class inches closer to its European return, heading to Qatar before racing in Spain at the end of April.

Bagnaia’s new advice from Valentino Rossi paid dividends during the third race of the MotoGP season – it may have transformed the outlook of the whole championship.

READ MORE: Jorge Martin tells Francesco Bagnaia what he needs to match ‘impetuous’ Marc Marquez at Ducati

Davide Tardozzi explains Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati transformation due to ‘confidence’

Davide Tardozzi warned Marquez he is yet to face a ‘true test’ in 2025 and less than two weeks on from Argentina, he has already proven himself right.

With Bagnaia’s presence growing both on and off the track, he is only going to become more of a nuisance for the six-time champion.

After being so dejected and far off the pace of his teammate during the first two races, just how did he manage to turn the tide on a track which has been dominated by Marquez in the past?

Tardozzi put it all down to one thing to do with the man himself, rather than any significant change in his circumstances or machinery.

“Confidence,” he explained to TNT Sports when questioned why his rider had managed to find some speed on his bike finally.

READ MORE: Davide Tardozzi is starting to ‘sweat’ more with what Ducati are demanding from Francesco Bagnaia

Why Marc Marquez is back under intense pressure in the 2025 MotoGP championship fight

Now that Marquez has lost the championship lead, despite winning each of the first five races this season, he will be more determined than ever to return to the front.

Seeing his brother lead the standings will be a consolation, and it’s only a matter of time before he takes his first premier class victory.

However, it took one corner for the title race to flip on its head. In a season which will come down to very fine margins, it could end up being a costly mistake.

Ahead of the Grand Prix of Americas, Pramac’s Jack Miller admitted he ‘wouldn’t like’ to see Marquez win every race this year and his wish was soon granted.

With a one-point deficit, it may not be long before he returns to the top. His brother can look forward to enjoying the championship-leading accolade for at least two weeks before Qatar.