In an unprecedented move in the MotoGP world, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, reigning world champion and Ducati star, has decided to make his pay slip public, offering a transparent look at the earnings of motorcycle racing’s elite riders. The revelation, made during an exclusive interview in July 2025, has shed light on the astronomical figures circulating in the premier class, but it has also raised inevitable comparisons with his teammate, Marc Márquez, who, according to rumors, is reportedly paid double Bagnaia’s. This episode has sparked a wave of discussion among fans and industry insiders, shedding light on the economic and competitive dynamics of the paddock.

Bagnaia, born in 1997, won the hearts of Italian fans with his two consecutive world titles in 2022 and 2023, returning Ducati to the top step after years of foreign dominance. His contract with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, renewed until 2026, sees him earn a base salary of approximately €7 million per season, according to sources such as Motorsport and Calcio e Finanza. This figure is supplemented by significant bonuses: €100,000 for each Grand Prix victory, €50,000 for a second-place finish, and €30,000 for a third-place finish, as well as a €1.5 million prize for winning the world title. In 2023, for example, Pecco earned over €1 million in bonuses alone for his seven wins and six second-place finishes, not including Sprint Race fees. The decision to share these details publicly was motivated by Bagnaia’s desire to dispel myths about riders’ earnings, showing how compensation is tied not only to talent, but also to concrete results on the track.

However, the comparison with Marc Márquez, the new arrival to the factory Ducati team for 2025, has drawn attention. According to Spanish sources such as Motorpasionmoto.com, Márquez, an eight-time world champion, earns between 12 and 14 million euros per season, a figure that would make him the highest-paid rider in MotoGP. This amount, which could increase with personal sponsorships, far exceeds Bagnaia’s salary, despite the Turin native’s recent successes. The discrepancy has sparked debate on X, where fans are divided: some see Márquez as an icon whose media value justifies his salary, while others believe that Bagnaia, as the reigning champion, deserves more equal financial treatment. The same sources indicate that Fabio Quartararo, tied with Yamaha, shares the top salary ranking with Márquez, with approximately 12 million euros annually.

Márquez’s arrival at Ducati has already created tension in the garage, evoking the famous feud between Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha. Managing two “prima donnas” like Bagnaia and Márquez will be a challenge for technical director Gigi Dall’Igna, who has emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere within the team. However, Bagnaia’s revelation about his paycheck appears to be a direct message, not only to the fans but also to Ducati management, underscoring his contribution to the team’s success. The 2025 season, with Márquez and Bagnaia sharing a garage, promises to be one of the most competitive, not only on the track but also off it, with economic dynamics adding an additional layer of rivalry.

Meanwhile, the MotoGP paddock continues to evolve. The 2025 season sees Ducati dominate with a top-tier lineup, while Yamaha and Honda seek to close the gap. Bagnaia, despite the comparisons with Márquez, remains a central figure, not only for his results, but also for his connection to Italy and the legacy of Valentino Rossi, his mentor. His transparency regarding his earnings has shed a window into the opaque world of MotoGP contracts, but it has also highlighted the disparities that exist even among champions. As fans await the next Grand Prix, the question remains: will Bagnaia be able to prove on track that his value goes beyond the numbers? And how will Ducati manage the delicate balance between its two aces? 2025 promises to be a rollercoaster ride, both on and off the track.