Marc Marquez shares the six-word message he ‘kept telling’ himself on his way to winning the Italian Grand Prix

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Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia put on the best display of racing they have had during the 2025 MotoGP season so far at the Italian Grand Prix.

Bagnaia burst out of the blocks and put out a statement of intent by not allowing his teammate to pull off into the distance.

Other than a lap or so at Jerez, Ducati haven’t had to worry much about their two riders coming together on track.

Marquez did eventually pull ahead and storm to yet another victory, but not without putting on an incredible show for the fans at the Italian Grand Prix.

Bagnaia can’t push ‘anymore’ like Marquez, and it’s showing in his pace on track. The Italian rider won 11 races this year, and only has one to show for his efforts in 2025.

However, Bagnaia showed ‘remarkable’ sportsmanship to Marquez despite the deficit he has faced, and shook his hand in Italy this weekend.

READ MORE: Francesco Bagnaia will love what Marc Marquez has told his Ducati crew chief at the Italian Grand Prix

Marc Marquez told himself to ‘be patient’ before winning the Italian Grand Prix

Davide Tardozzi offered a surprising reaction to Marquez beating Bagnaia and didn’t seem to celebrate as much as if it had been the two-time champion.

Bagnaia has ‘copied’ Valentino Rossi and his braking technique in a bid to build more speed, but he still isn’t as quick as his teammate.

Speaking to DAZN after the race, Marquez reveals what he said to himself before winning for the second time ever at Mugello.

“We struggled and pushed ourselves to the limit more than in Aragon. We enjoyed the first few laps, the close encounter with Pecco Bagnaia. I decided to stay calm and, after eight laps, hit the pace I’d shown. Our main rival is truly at home.

“Last year, I’d been riding the same bike for ten years, and the Ducati is quite different; the DNA of a bike doesn’t change. Ducati’s DNA is about riding with the rear end and being very precise.

“I added explosiveness to my race management in the final laps. I came in with the mentality of defending and losing as few points as possible, but yesterday I realised that victory was possible. I kept telling myself, ‘Be patient, the race is very long.'”

READ MORE: Marc Marquez sends message to Italian Grand Prix fans who booed him following Sprint win

Why Francesco Bagnaia will love what Marc Marquez told his Ducati crew chief

Ducati have already admitted that they cannot bring back the GP24 that helped Bagnaia to so much success. He has to find his own improvements.

All of the parts they have brought to the bike haven’t done enough for him so far. The fundamental behaviours of the front end have changed with a new set of forks this year.

Bagnaia will love what Marquez told his Ducati crew chief about damage limitation heading into Mugello. It shows that he knows he still has weaknesses.

If, particularly on right-hand circuits, he continues to struggle, then the door could remain ajar for Bagnaia to capitalise and snatch some points back.