Marco Bezzecchi
Four races into the 2025 MotoGP season and questions are already being posed as to whether Francesco Bagnaia is cut out for a fight with Marc Marquez.
Ducati felt that they might have a tough gig on their hands managing two of the hottest properties in motorcycle racing this year, but it hasn’t lived up to expectation so far.
Marquez has nearly swept every race, winning seven of eight on offer so far. His Grand Prix of the Americas mistake costing him perfection so far.
It seemed that Bagnaia had gathered some momentum after race three, but things came crashing back down to earth in Qatar with an average performance.
Bagnaia nearly lost his temper after criticism on social media and an indication that the pressure may be getting to him from the other side of the garage.
Valentino Rossi lauded Bagnaia’s strength after a tough start to the campaign and believes that his fellow countryman is excellent at staying calm.
Herve Poncharal fears Marc Marquez has ‘destabilised’ Francesco Bagnaia at Ducati
The Grand Prix of Qatar’s main surprise was the ascension of KTM Tech3’s Maverick Vinales, who was able to finish ahead of Bagnaia on track.
Their team boss Herve Poncharal is puzzled at the Ducati rider’s struggles, and wonders whether his new teammate has affected him.
“It’s also true that I have enormous respect for Pecco Bagnaia, he’s always amazed me with his speed and his ability to ride incredible races. But I find it hard to explain,” he told Paddock GP.
“Is he less comfortable on the bike than he was last season in particular? Is it because, as they say, but I don’t think so because he’s experienced and strong and intelligent, but has Marc Marquez psychologically destabilised him?”
With 18 MotoGP races to go this season, there is plenty of racing ahead yet and plenty of time for Bagnaia to find a response. The European leg should favour a comeback.
What Francesco Bagnaia needs Ducati to do if he wants to beat Marc Marquez in 2025
After struggling with this year’s bike so far, Bagnaia needs the next set of upgrades and changes to suit his style more than Marquez’s.
Only then will he playing field be levelled out and offer him an opportunity to challenge him at all circuits. If he was able to keep pace at COTA, he should be able to anywhere.
Bagnaia has ‘recognised’ the importance of points and could set about emulating what Jorge Martin did against him in 2024.
The Spaniard won eight fewer races, but his consistency and lack of mistakes helped him to come out on top at the end.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
