The MotoGP world has been rocked by a stunning revelation that has rocked the paddock. A leaked update on Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s shaky start to the 2025 season has sparked intense speculation, while confirmation of Alex Marquez’s partnership with brother Marc Marquez at Ducati has added fuel to the fire. The bombshell news, coupled with Marc Marquez’s public endorsement, has reportedly left Bagnaia furious, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown later in the season.

The 2025 MotoGP season has already been a rollercoaster, with unexpected twists and heated rivalries dominating the headlines. Double world champion and Ducati golden boy Bagnaia was tipped to lead the charge for the Italian manufacturer. However, his season has been anything but smooth sailing. Sources close to the team have revealed that Bagnaia has struggled to find the rhythm that allowed him to win the title for a second time in 2022 and 2023. His podium at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez was overshadowed by Alex Marquez’s sensational win, which saw his younger brother take the championship lead. The leaked update suggests that Bagnaia’s struggles stem from difficulties adapting to the latest-generation Ducati, with insiders reporting issues with the bike’s front end behaviour. These difficulties have left him 20 points behind Alex Marquez in the standings, with Marc Marquez hot on his heels, just one point behind his brother.

The real bombshell, however, is the confirmation that Alex Marquez will join forces with Marc Marquez in the factory Ducati team, in a move that was planned behind closed doors. Alex, currently riding for Gresini Racing, has been a revelation this season, displaying consistency and speed that has caught the eye of Ducati bosses. His win in Jerez, which marked Ducati’s 22nd consecutive Grand Prix win, equalling Honda’s historic record, has solidified his candidacy for a factory seat. The decision to bring Alex into the team alongside brother Marc, who has dominated with seven wins from the first eight GPs of 2025, is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Ducati’s dominance. The Marquez brothers, with their combined talent and fierce competitive spirit, are poised to create a formidable partnership that could redefine the team’s future.

Never shying away from the spotlight, Marc Marquez has been vocal in his support of his brother’s move to the factory team. In a recent interview, he praised Alex’s consistency and growth, saying: “Alex has earned this opportunity. He has shown he can compete at the highest level and together we can push Ducati to new heights.” Marc’s comments, while supportive of his brother, are said to have irked Bagnaia. Sources within Ducati suggest the Italian rider feels sidelined by the team’s focus on the Marquez brothers. Bagnaia, who has been the face of Ducati’s recent success, is said to be frustrated by the changing dynamics within the garage. Tensions between him and Marc, already palpable due to their on-track clashes, have now turned personal, with Bagnaia reportedly angered by Marc’s public support for Alex’s promotion.

The implications of this development are far-reaching. For Ducati, the decision to unite the Marquez brothers is a bold gamble. While it strengthens their lineup, it risks alienating Bagnaia, whose experience and proven championship pedigree remain valuable. The team’s management, led by Gigi Dall’Igna and Claudio Domenicali, will have to navigate these choppy waters carefully to maintain harmony within the team. Meanwhile, the MotoGP paddock is rife with speculation about Bagnaia’s next move. Some X posts have even suggested he may be considering a surprise switch to Yamaha or VR46’s potential move to the Japanese manufacturer, although those rumours remain unconfirmed.

As the MotoGP circus heads to Le Mans for the French Grand Prix, all eyes will be on the star-studded Ducati squad. Alex Marquez’s meteoric rise, Marc’s relentless pursuit of another title and Bagnaia’s struggle to regain form promise to be a spectacle like no other. The leaked update has exposed the cracks in the Ducati dream team and, with tensions simmering, the stage is set for a season-defining battle. Can Bagnaia overcome the drama to silence his detractors or will the Marquez brothers’ alliance prove unstoppable? One thing is for sure: MotoGP fans are in for a wild ride.