Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia was handed his MotoGP debut by Pramac in 2019. The Italian achieved his childhood dream of riding a Ducati.
The then 21-year-old had won the Moto2 title in 2018 with Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team. Bagnaia became the first rider to graduate to the premier class through the seven-time MotoGP champion’s academy.
In his rookie season with Pramac, Bagnaia finished the year 15th in the standings with 54 points. Multiple retirements hampered his year, and they persisted in 2020 when he finished 16th with 47 points.
Nevertheless, Bagnaia and teammate Jack Miller were moved to the factory Ducati team for 2021. Since then, the Turin-born rider has been a consistent championship contender.
Losing to Fabio Quartararo in 2021, he got the edge over the Frenchman the following year to become MotoGP champion. As Yamaha regressed in performance, Jorge Martín became Bagnaia’s closest title rival, but the Spaniard could not beat the Ducati rider in 2023 as he clinched his second crown.
Last year, Martin fought back to become the first independent team rider to win in the MotoGP era. After the 27-year-old moved to Aprilia for 2025, Bagnaia became arguably the favourite for the title, but he now faces his biggest challenge yet: Marc Marquez.
Francesco Bagnaia said he was ‘strong on the brakes’ ahead of his MotoGP debut – there lies the key to beating Marc Marquez
The six-time MotoGP champion moved to the factory Ducati team from satellite outfit Gresini last season. In his first year with the manufacturer after leaving Honda, Marquez returned to form as he claimed three wins and 10 podiums on the GP23.
The Spaniard gives Ducati arguably the strongest rider pairing in the sport’s history alongside Bagnaia, with eight titles between them. Bagnaia called Marquez’s arrival ‘beautiful’ as the duo looked set to contest a tense title battle.
Bagnaia backed himself for the championship after losing to Martin by 10 points in 2024. However, the Italian has started 2025 on the back foot as Marquez has won seven of the eight races so far.
Ducati have been pushing the 28-year-old to find improvements, but he may already have the solution from his rookie season. Speaking with Speedweek ahead of his MotoGP debut with Pramac, Bagnaia listed his strengths in Moto2 – it holds the key to beating Marquez.
“I’m strong on the brakes and also carry a lot of speed into the apex of the corner,” he said. “That was also very important in the victory in Austria, because [Miguel] Oliveira was always there on the straight. In 2018, I also improved again in the last four laps of a race.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
Marc Marquez clearly has the upper hand over Francesco Bagnaia at Ducati in 2025
Heading into the fifth round of the 2025 season at Jerez, Bagnaia has just one win to his name. He inherited victory in Austin after Marquez crashed from the lead, just as he did in 2024.
The Qatar Grand Prix was a perfect chance for the Italian to capitalise and close the gap to his teammate. Lusail is a strong track for Bagnaia, but it did not work out smoothly last weekend.
Bagnaia crashed in Q2 and lined up 11th, while Marquez took his fourth pole position of the year. The 28-year-old struggled in the Sprint to finish eighth, but he recovered brilliantly to finish second in the race after Maverick Vinales’ penalty.
With his teammate claiming both wins, the Italian is 26 points behind heading into Jerez. Bagnaia almost lost his temper in the press conference due to questions about Marquez and his mistakes.
The Italian is adamant that his errors are not because of the pressure from his teammate. However, with seven wins already, Marquez clearly has the upper hand – Bagnaia must act fast to keep himself in the title picture.
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