Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez’s arrival at Ducati generated some concern among MotoGP experts. There were concerns about tension with teammate Francesco Bagnaia in the garage.
Bagnaia had spent his entire MotoGP career on Ducati bikes, stepping up to the factory team in 2021 and delivering the first of two world titles a year later. Marquez’s predecessor, Enea Bastianini, was clearly his number two.
But now the biggest superstar on the grid was arriving in the box. Some thought a hostile response from Bagnaia, a graduate of the Valentino Rossi academy, was inevitable.
But in truth, Bagnaia hasn’t got close enough to spark a true rivalry. After 10 races, he’s 126 points behind, and is focused on rediscovering his ‘feeling’ with the bike rather than challenging his supremely dominant teammate.
Fans craved the wheel-to-wheel battle that materialised in Mugello last month, but they can’t expect to see it regularly.
Marc Marquez could pressure Ducati to sign Alex Marquez this winter
Ducati are completely behind Bagnaia as he wrestles with a crisis of confidence. But if he doesn’t improve in 2026, there is bound to be a debate over renewing his contract.
According to MOW, Marquez could look to capitalise by putting his brother forward for a promotion this winter. There’s a ‘good chance’ he’ll campaign for the Gresini rider to be his 2027 teammate.
Honda formed an all-Marquez line-up at their factory team in 2020, the year Marc sustained a severe arm injury. Alex was subsequently demoted to LCR before leaving at the end of 2022.
However, the 28-year-old has been one of the standout riders on the grid this year, having won his first Grand Prix in Spain and scored six podiums (or 16 including Sprints).
Marc Marquez has already made one major Ducati concession in private talks
When negotiating his contract last year, Marquez told Ducati they could determine his salary. This was because winning was his primary motivation.
He may feel that’s bought him some leverage in the event that he tries to advocate for his brother. As the aforementioned report notes, ‘Marquez is not a saint’.
Jorge Lorenzo believes Alex Marquez is ready for Ducati, five years on from his disappointing showing at Honda. It’s a move that would split opinion in the paddock given the tame racing between the siblings this season.
Alex Marquez’s agent has played down the speculation, but Bagnaia knows he will face added jeopardy next year.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
