Francesco Bagnaia’s four-word message to Marc Marquez in heartfelt moment before Japanese GP podium

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Francesco Bagnaia gave himself something to celebrate with an excellent performance at the Japanese Grand Prix.

After waiting all season for a breakthrough, it eventually came on the day that Marc Marquez secured a seventh MotoGP title. The Spaniard has been in unstoppable form, and dethroning him is going to be a mammoth task in 2026.

But the Japanese Grand Prix was a sign that Bagnaia might be about to return to some of his best form. Ducati have applied pressure on him to improve in 2025, and it looks as though he might have finally responded in time to build some momentum for the next campaign.

Marquez addressed claims Ducati favoured him by reminding everyone that the bikes he and his teammate get are exactly the same. However, the small revival led Bagnaia to nearly cry following pole position at Motegi. His performance really meant a lot to him.

READ MORE: MotoGP paddock rumour claims Ducati made change to Pecco Bagnaia’s bike that didn’t seem ‘possible’

Francesco Bagnaia told Marc Marquez he had been ‘amazing’ before Japanese Grand Prix podium

Marquez recognises Bagnaia’s improvement ‘little by little’, but his title celebrations were always going to overshadow everything in Japan. His comeback story is among the greatest in all of motorsport, and his road to recovery has been incredibly long.

Ducati are silent about a ‘top secret’ change on Bagnaia’s bike, which the Italian appeared to be a little upset about. He feels they could have made the adjustment earlier in the season if they had listened to him about his issues.

It sets up a fascinating fight between himself and Marquez across the final five races of the season. With nothing to play for, they can afford to have some fun. Firstly, Bagnaia wanted to realise his teammate’s achievement before the podium at the Japanese Grand Prix.

After sharing a light joke with Marquez, the two-time champion was quick to congratulate him on what has been a dominant campaign, going as far as telling him he had been ‘amazing’.

“Congratulations, you’ve been amazing,” he said.

READ MORE: Ducati ‘were not listening’ to Francesco Bagnaia’s coach about key problem until Casey Stoner intervened

Can Francesco Bagnaia win another MotoGP race before the end of 2025?

Looking at the last few events on the calendar, there are a few that still play to Bagnaia’s strengths and should give him the opportunity to compete.

Next up is the Mandalika circuit in Indonesia. The Italian won there in 2023, but only finished third during an intense title battle in 2024.

He knows what it takes to reach the top step there, but races in Malaysia and Valencia would seem to suit his style slightly more.

Bagnaia avoided a Ducati ‘disaster’ and can now begin to focus on mounting another championship charge in the future. Crucially, 2026 is a contract year for him, so he’s found form at the perfect time.