In the high-octane world of MotoGP, where precision, speed, and loyalty reign supreme, a storm is brewing within the Ducati garage. Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia has unleashed a scathing attack on his team, accusing them of sidelining him in favor of teammate Marc Marquez. The Italian rider, known for his cool-headed demeanor on the track, didn’t hold back in a recent interview, claiming that Ducati’s apparent favoritism is the root cause of his declining peak performance since the start of the 2025 season. As the MotoGP circus barrels toward another thrilling chapter, Bagnaia’s outburst has sent shockwaves through the paddock, raising questions about team dynamics, Ducati’s strategy, and the fierce rivalry between two of the sport’s biggest names.

Bagnaia, affectionately dubbed “Pecco” by fans, has been a cornerstone of Ducati’s resurgence in recent years. The 28-year-old clinched the MotoGP world title in 2022 and has since solidified his reputation as one of the grid’s most consistent and calculated riders. His synergy with the Desmosedici machine has been nothing short of remarkable, propelling Ducati to new heights in a sport long dominated by Japanese manufacturers. But 2025 has painted a different picture. Where once there was harmony, there now seems to be tension—and Bagnaia is pointing the finger squarely at Ducati’s management and their handling of Marquez’s arrival.

Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP world champion, joined Ducati’s factory team at the start of 2025 after a blockbuster move from Honda. The Spaniard’s signing was hailed as a coup for Ducati, pairing one of the greatest riders in history with one of the most competitive bikes on the grid. However, what was expected to be a dream partnership has quickly devolved into a nightmare for Bagnaia. “They’re favoring Marquez over me,” Bagnaia said in a fiery press conference after a disappointing P5 finish at the Austrian Grand Prix. “I’ve given everything to this team, and now it feels like I’m being neglected. My performance is suffering because of it.”

The numbers seem to back up Bagnaia’s frustrations. In the first six races of the 2025 season, Marquez has outscored Bagnaia by a significant margin, securing three victories while Bagnaia has yet to stand on the top step of the podium. Analysts point to Ducati’s apparent shift in resources—both technical and strategic—toward optimizing the bike for Marquez’s aggressive, corner-entry-focused riding style. Bagnaia, whose smoother, more methodical approach once perfectly complemented the Desmosedici, now finds himself struggling to adapt to a machine that feels increasingly alien. “It’s not the same bike I won the championship with,” he admitted. “The development is going in a direction that suits him, not me.”

Ducati team principal Davide Tardozzi has attempted to downplay the controversy, insisting that both riders are treated equally. “We have two incredible talents in Pecco and Marc, and our goal is to give them the best tools to succeed,” Tardozzi said in a statement. “There’s no favoritism here—only a commitment to winning.” Yet, behind closed doors, whispers from the pit lane suggest otherwise. Mechanics and engineers have reportedly been seen spending extra hours fine-tuning Marquez’s bike, while Bagnaia’s crew appears stretched thin. For a rider who thrives on trust and stability, this perceived imbalance could be the breaking point.

The rivalry between Bagnaia and Marquez isn’t new. Their on-track battles have produced some of MotoGP’s most electrifying moments, but their relationship off the bike has always been cordial—until now. Marquez, for his part, has remained diplomatic in the face of Bagnaia’s accusations. “I’m just doing my job,” the 32-year-old said with a shrug. “I push the team, they push me, and we try to win. That’s racing.” Yet, Marquez’s trademark grin betrays a confidence that Bagnaia seems to have lost, and it’s hard to ignore the Spaniard’s knack for unsettling his rivals—both mentally and competitively.

For Ducati, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With two of the sport’s biggest stars under one roof, the Italian manufacturer is under pressure to deliver a constructors’ championship while keeping both riders in contention for the title. But as Bagnaia’s frustrations boil over, the risk of implosion looms large. Can Ducati find a way to balance the egos and talents of two champions, or will this internal conflict derail their season?

Fans, too, are divided. Social media is ablaze with debates over whether Bagnaia’s complaints are justified or simply the grumblings of a rider unable to handle the heat. One thing is certain: the 2025 MotoGP season has just gotten a lot spicier. As the next race approaches, all eyes will be on Ducati’s red machines—and the simmering tension between the men who ride them.