Marc Marquez, one of the most accomplished riders in MotoGP history, has spoken about the importance of his and Francesco Bagnaia’s relationship in helping Ducati maintain its championship dominance in 2025. In a recent interview, Marquez stressed that although the two riders are rivals on the track, it is essential that they work together professionally in order for the Italian team to remain a dominant force in motorcycling.

The relationship between MotoGP riders is often complex, especially when it comes to teammates or riders from different brands fighting for the same goal. However, Marquez believes the key to Ducati’s success in the 2025 season lies in the collaboration between himself and Bagnaia, who was crowned MotoGP champion in 2022 and has been one of Marquez’s strongest rivals in recent seasons.

“We know that motorcycling is an individual sport, but in teams like Ducati, where the objective is clear and there are big ambitions, we need to work well together,” said Marquez. The Honda rider acknowledged that, although rivalry on the track is natural, the relationship off it must be based on respect and cooperation if Ducati wants to continue dominating the MotoGP championship.

Marquez and Bagnaia have had a competitive history, with Marquez battling for supremacy in recent years and Bagnaia demonstrating exceptional performance on the Ducati. Both riders have won multiple races, and their direct competition on the track is one of the most exciting aspects of the season. However, Marquez insisted that the relationship between the riders must not only be cordial, but also professional.

“If we want Ducati to maintain its level and remain the brand to beat, it is essential that there is good communication between us, with each one bringing their experience and knowledge to the team,” explained Marquez. According to him, this would not only benefit Ducati, but also both riders, as sharing data and strategies could be crucial to improving the overall performance of the bikes.

While Marquez’s words are conciliatory, the rivalry in MotoGP is not going away easily. In 2025, Ducati could face the challenge of balancing the internal competition between its two star riders, Bagnaia and Marquez, while trying to maintain its supremacy over brands such as Yamaha and Suzuki. However, the fact that Marquez is willing to work closely with Bagnaia is a positive sign for the future of the team.

The Spanish rider also pointed out that 2025 will be a crucial year for his own future in MotoGP. After a series of injuries that prevented him from being at 100% for several seasons, Marquez faces the challenge of regaining his best form and being competitive with a Honda that has struggled to adapt to the new technologies and demands of the category. However, Marquez is confident that, if a good relationship is established with Bagnaia, Ducati could be an even stronger contender, regardless of who is in first or second place.

The Ducati team has demonstrated a winning mentality in recent years, with a clear focus on development and continuous improvement. However, 2025 will be a crucial year in which relationships between the riders, teamwork and the ability to adapt to new circumstances will play a fundamental role. Marquez, although very competitive, knows that his relationship with Bagnaia could be the key to Ducati continuing its success.

“The bike, the team and the motivation are there. Now, what we need is a relationship of trust between the riders, because in the end, that is the differential factor,” concluded Márquez.

All in all, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent MotoGP history, with Márquez and Bagnaia the main protagonists in a Ducati that will look to remain at the top. The challenge will undoubtedly be great, but cooperation and mutual respect between the riders could be the key to the team’s continued success.