As the 2025 MotoGP season approaches its climax, the paddock is abuzz with controversy following an FIM investigation into Ducati, prompted by unguarded statements from factory riders Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia about reigning champion Jorge Martin. The remarks, made in the lead-up to the Barcelona Grand Prix, have stirred tensions within the sport, casting a shadow over what promises to be a thrilling season finale. The investigation centers on whether these comments breached MotoGP’s code of conduct, which emphasizes respect among competitors, and whether they could have implications for team dynamics and the championship’s integrity.
The backdrop to this drama is the fierce rivalry within Ducati’s factory team, where Marquez, a six-time MotoGP champion, joined forces with two-time champion Bagnaia for the 2025 season. Their partnership was expected to dominate, but it has been fraught with challenges, particularly for Bagnaia, who has struggled to adapt to the new Ducati GP25. Marquez, on the other hand, has thrived, winning eight Grands Prix and 11 Sprint races, establishing a commanding 168-point lead over Bagnaia in the championship standings with 10 rounds remaining. This disparity has fueled speculation about internal friction, especially after Ducati’s controversial decision to promote Marquez over 2024 champion Jorge Martin, who now rides for Aprilia.
The controversy erupted when Bagnaia, frustrated by his lackluster season, hinted in a post-race interview after the Grand Prix of the Americas that Ducati’s bike development favored Marquez. In a conversation captured by MotoGP’s official YouTube channel, Bagnaia complained about rear vibrations affecting his performance, noting that Marquez did not experience the same issue. This led to speculation that Ducati tailored the GP25 to suit Marquez’s aggressive riding style, a claim supported by motorsport journalist Simon Patterson, who suggested the GP25’s homologation was influenced by Marquez’s superior testing performance. Bagnaia’s remarks, though not directly aimed at Martin, were perceived as a slight against Ducati’s decision-making, which sidelined Martin for 2025.
Marquez, meanwhile, added fuel to the fire with comments about Martin’s move to Aprilia. In a television interview on El Hormiguero, Marquez praised Bagnaia’s off-track demeanor but subtly implied that Martin’s departure was inevitable due to Ducati’s strategic choice to pair him with Bagnaia. These remarks were interpreted by some as dismissive of Martin’s 2024 title win, where he outperformed both Ducati riders on a satellite Pramac bike. Martin, who made his Aprilia debut at the Barcelona Test, responded diplomatically but pointedly, telling La Repubblica that Bagnaia needs “everything in place” to match Marquez’s adaptability, a comment that highlighted the reigning champion’s confidence despite his injury-plagued start to 2025.
The FIM’s investigation, launched ahead of the Barcelona GP, seeks to determine whether Marquez and Bagnaia’s statements violated regulations against conduct that could “damage the image of the sport.” The governing body is particularly concerned about the timing, as the Barcelona GP is a pivotal event in the championship. Sources within the paddock suggest that the FIM is reviewing media transcripts and team communications to assess whether the comments were deliberate attempts to undermine Martin or simply candid reflections of internal team struggles. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi defended the riders, arguing that their statements were taken out of context and that the team remains focused on winning the 2025 title.
The investigation has broader implications for Ducati, which faced criticism for its handling of the 2025 rider lineup. Martin’s departure to Aprilia, alongside Enea Bastianini’s move to KTM and Pramac’s switch to Yamaha, was a direct consequence of Ducati’s decision to prioritize Marquez. While Marquez’s dominance has justified the move on track, the loss of Martin, who clinched the 2024 title by 10 points, has led some to question Ducati’s strategy. Motorsport analyst Mat Oxley noted that Bagnaia’s frustration, evident at the Czech Grand Prix, stemmed from being “convincingly beaten” by Marquez, forcing him to accept his teammate’s superior pace.
As the Barcelona GP looms, the focus is not only on the race but also on the FIM’s findings. A ruling against Ducati could result in fines, warnings, or even points deductions, though the latter seems unlikely given the lack of precedent. For Marquez and Bagnaia, the investigation serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that comes with their high-profile roles. Martin, meanwhile, remains a wildcard, with his Aprilia debut showing promise despite an early crash at the Barcelona Test. The 2025 season, already defined by fierce competition and bold decisions, now faces a test of sportsmanship and professionalism as the paddock awaits the FIM’s verdict.
