Finishing 4th at the Czech GP, Bagnaia received a lot of CRITICISM from boss Gigi Dall’igna “Ducati doesn’t need him, Marc Marquez alone is enough” !!
The 2025 MotoGP season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and the recent Czech Grand Prix at Brno has added fuel to an already fiery narrative surrounding Ducati’s star riders. Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP world champion, crossed the finish line in a disappointing fourth place, a result that has sparked a wave of criticism from Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna. In a shocking post-race statement, Dall’Igna reportedly declared, “Ducati doesn’t need him, Marc Marquez is enough!” This bold claim has sent shockwaves through the paddock, raising questions about Bagnaia’s future with the Italian manufacturer and highlighting the growing influence of teammate Marc Marquez within the team.
The Czech GP was anticipated to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 season, with Ducati fielding a formidable lineup featuring Bagnaia and Marquez, two of the sport’s biggest names. Bagnaia, who has been instrumental in Ducati’s recent dominance, entered the race with high expectations. However, his performance fell short of the mark. Starting from a strong grid position, Bagnaia struggled to maintain pace with the leading trio, ultimately finishing behind Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi, KTM’s Pedro Acosta, and his teammate Marquez, who secured a podium finish. The result marked another chapter in what has been a challenging season for Bagnaia, who has faced increasing pressure to replicate his championship-winning form of previous years.
Dall’Igna’s comments, as reported by sources in the paddock, reflect a growing frustration with Bagnaia’s inconsistency. The Ducati boss, known for his strategic vision and uncompromising standards, has been vocal about his desire to maintain the team’s competitive edge. His statement praising Marquez while seemingly dismissing Bagnaia’s contributions has ignited a firestorm of debate. Marquez, a six-time MotoGP world champion, has adapted remarkably well to the Ducati Desmosedici GP25 since joining the factory team for the 2025 season. His aggressive riding style and ability to extract the maximum from the bike have earned him consistent podium finishes, including a commanding performance at the Thai GP earlier this season, where he clinched both the sprint and main races.
The tension between Bagnaia and Ducati’s management is not entirely new. Posts on X have hinted at underlying issues, with some fans speculating that Ducati has prioritized Marquez as the team’s primary title contender. One user remarked, “Bagnaia single-handedly developed the bike that brought Ducati championships, yet they seem ready to push him aside for Marquez.” Others have pointed to Dall’Igna’s strategic decisions, such as the choice to promote Marquez to the factory team over other talented riders, as evidence of a shift in focus. While these sentiments reflect fan frustration, they also underscore the high stakes within Ducati’s camp as they navigate a fiercely competitive season.
Bagnaia’s fourth-place finish at Brno was not without context. The Italian rider faced challenges during the race, including tire management issues and a lack of grip that hampered his ability to challenge for the podium. Post-race, Bagnaia admitted to struggling with the bike’s setup, stating, “We need to work on finding the right balance to stay competitive in every condition.” Despite these setbacks, his overall performance in 2025 has not been disastrous. With multiple race wins and a strong points tally, Bagnaia remains a contender in the championship fight, though he now trails Marquez and other rivals in the standings.
Marquez, on the other hand, has been a revelation. His seamless integration into Ducati’s factory team has silenced doubters who questioned whether the veteran could return to his peak form after years of injury-plagued seasons with Honda. His ability to push the GP25 to its limits, particularly in wet conditions, has drawn praise from Dall’Igna and the team’s engineers. Marquez’s recent victories, including a dominant display in Thailand, have solidified his position as Ducati’s leading rider, prompting some to speculate that he could secure his seventh MotoGP title this season.
Dall’Igna’s provocative statement raises questions about team dynamics and Bagnaia’s long-term role at Ducati. While the Italian has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, delivering titles in 2022 and 2023, the arrival of Marquez has shifted the spotlight. Some analysts argue that Dall’Igna’s comments may be a motivational tactic to push Bagnaia to elevate his performance, while others see it as a sign of a potential rift. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Bagnaia responds to this criticism and whether he can reclaim his position as Ducati’s top rider.
The MotoGP paddock is no stranger to drama, but Dall’Igna’s remarks have added a new layer of intrigue to an already intense season. With upcoming races at challenging circuits like Phillip Island and Barcelona, Bagnaia has an opportunity to prove his worth and silence his critics. For now, the spotlight remains on Marquez, whose resurgence has redefined Ducati’s ambitions. As the championship battle heats up, the question remains: can Bagnaia rise above the controversy, or will Marquez’s dominance cement his status as Ducati’s undisputed leader?
