Bagnaia ASKED Ducati to MEET his 3 DEMAND at the upcoming San Marino GP and the response from boss Gigi Dall’igna left Marc Marquez unhappy!!
The MotoGP paddock is buzzing with tension as the San Marino Grand Prix approaches, with reigning champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia laying down a bold ultimatum to Ducati. The Italian rider, who has faced a challenging 2025 season despite a strong start, has outlined three critical demands to ensure he can reclaim his dominance on the track. However, Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna’s response has sparked controversy, particularly unsettling Bagnaia’s teammate, Marc Marquez, who has been the standout performer this year.
Bagnaia’s demands come at a pivotal moment. After a series of inconsistent results, including crashes at Silverstone and Le Mans, the two-time world champion is under pressure to close the gap to championship leader Alex Marquez, who rides for the satellite Gresini team. Bagnaia’s first demand is for Ducati to provide immediate technical upgrades to the Desmosedici GP25, specifically targeting improved corner entry speed, an area where he has struggled to match the pace of Marquez. His second request focuses on enhanced data analysis and tailored setup adjustments to better suit his meticulous riding style, which he believes has been overshadowed by Marquez’s instinctive approach. Finally, Bagnaia has called for a clearer team strategy to prioritize his championship bid, hinting at a need for internal support to counter the dominance of both Marquez brothers.
These demands reflect Bagnaia’s frustration with his current form, despite a victory in Austin and a podium at Aragon. His comments after the Aragon GP, where he finished third behind Marc Marquez, suggested a renewed confidence but also an urgency for Ducati to address his concerns. “We’re making progress, but I need the bike to feel like an extension of me again,” Bagnaia said. “The team knows what I need to fight for the title.” His pointed remarks have raised eyebrows, especially given Ducati’s unprecedented dominance, with six bikes regularly finishing in the top ten.
Gigi Dall’Igna, known for his measured and diplomatic approach, responded to Bagnaia’s demands with a statement that aimed to balance the needs of both riders. “Pecco is a champion, and we’re committed to giving him the tools to succeed,” Dall’Igna said. “We’re analyzing his requests and working on solutions, but our focus is on optimizing the bike for both riders to ensure Ducati’s overall success.” He emphasized the team’s neutral stance, reiterating that no rider would be favored over the other. “Marc and Pecco are both exceptional, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can both shine,” he added.
While Dall’Igna’s response was intended to diffuse tension, it has reportedly left Marc Marquez feeling uneasy. The eight-time world champion, who has won nine of twelve races in 2025, including a commanding performance at Aragon, is enjoying a dream season with Ducati. His surgical precision and adaptability have made him the benchmark, and sources close to Marquez suggest he is wary of any shift in team dynamics that could disrupt his momentum. “Marc knows he’s carrying the team’s results right now,” an insider revealed. “He respects Pecco, but he’s not happy about the idea of resources being redirected to address demands that might not align with his setup.”
The tension between Bagnaia and Marquez is not new. Their on-track battles, including a collision in Portugal and a fierce duel at Jerez in 2024, have foreshadowed the rivalry that now simmers within the factory Ducati garage. Marquez’s arrival at the team was a bold move by Dall’Igna, who saw the Spaniard as a generational talent capable of elevating Ducati’s legacy. However, Bagnaia’s established presence and his history with the team—having delivered two world titles—make him a cornerstone of Ducati’s identity. The challenge for Dall’Igna lies in managing these two titans without destabilizing the team’s harmony.
As the San Marino GP looms, all eyes will be on Ducati’s response to Bagnaia’s demands. Will the team deliver the upgrades he seeks, or will they maintain their neutral approach to keep Marquez’s juggernaut rolling? The Misano circuit, a home race for Ducati, could be a turning point in the championship. For Bagnaia, it’s a chance to reassert his authority; for Marquez, it’s an opportunity to cement his dominance. Meanwhile, Dall’Igna faces the delicate task of keeping both riders content while ensuring Ducati’s red machines continue to dominate the grid. The outcome at San Marino could shape not only the 2025 title fight but also the future of Ducati’s dream team.
