In the high-octane world of MotoGP, where speed, skill, and strategy reign supreme, a new rivalry is brewing off the track that promises to spice up the 2025 season. Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the two-time MotoGP world champion and Ducati’s golden boy, has reportedly voiced his frustration over the salary disparity between himself and his new teammate, Marc Marquez. As the Italian manufacturer prepares to field what many are calling a “dream team” for 2025, the tension between its two star riders is already palpable, setting the stage for an explosive season both on and off the circuit.
Bagnaia, who has been the cornerstone of Ducati’s recent dominance, securing back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 and narrowly missing a third in 2024, is no stranger to the spotlight. His new contract, signed ahead of the 2024 season, ties him to Ducati until 2026 and reportedly offers a base salary of around €7 million per year, with the potential to climb to €10 million if he clinches another championship. It’s a hefty paycheck, one that reflects his status as a proven champion and the rider who has carried Ducati to new heights. Yet, whispers from the paddock suggest that Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP world champion who joined the factory Ducati Lenovo Team for 2025, is earning significantly more—sparking discontent from the Italian rider.
Marquez’s arrival at Ducati has been one of the most talked-about moves in recent MotoGP history. After a tumultuous end to his 11-year tenure with Honda, where he earned a staggering €12.5 million annually at his peak, Marquez took a pay cut in 2024 to join the Gresini Racing team on a year-old Ducati. His performance—three wins and a third-place finish in the championship—proved his worth, convincing Ducati to promote him to the factory squad alongside Bagnaia. While exact figures remain confidential, rumors peg Marquez’s 2025 salary at upwards of €10 million base pay, potentially eclipsing Bagnaia’s earnings even without bonuses. For a rider of Bagnaia’s caliber, who has been the face of Ducati’s success, this discrepancy stings.
“It’s not about the money itself,” a source close to Bagnaia reportedly said. “Pecco feels he’s earned his place as Ducati’s leader. He’s won them titles, delivered results, and stayed loyal. To see Marquez come in and out-earn him—it’s a tough pill to swallow.” Bagnaia himself has remained diplomatic in public, focusing on his excitement for the 2025 season and the chance to race alongside a legend like Marquez. However, subtle hints during recent interviews suggest the frustration is real. “I’ve given everything to Ducati,” he said at the team’s 2025 livery unveiling in January. “I know what I bring to the table, and I’ll keep proving it on the track.”
The salary saga adds an intriguing layer to what was already shaping up as a blockbuster teammate dynamic. Marquez, at 31, is a veteran with a relentless drive to reclaim his throne, while Bagnaia, 28, is in his prime and determined to cement his legacy. Ducati’s decision to pair them is a calculated gamble, banking on their combined talent to dominate the grid. But with great talent comes great egos, and the financial disparity could fuel a rivalry that spills over into their on-track battles.
Historically, Ducati has leaned toward performance-based bonuses rather than exorbitant base salaries, a shift that began after the lavish spending to lure Jorge Lorenzo in 2017. Bagnaia’s deal reflects this philosophy—his earnings soar when he wins. Marquez, however, brings a different value: his global star power, massive fan base, and marketability. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has acknowledged the polarizing nature of Marquez’s signing, noting that while some question his fit due to past controversies, “no one doubts his talent.” That talent—and the commercial boost it provides—may justify the premium Ducati is reportedly paying.
For fans, this tension promises fireworks. Imagine Bagnaia and Marquez battling wheel-to-wheel at iconic circuits like Mugello or Phillip Island, each fueled by the desire to outshine the other—not just for points, but for pride. Off the track, their interactions will be scrutinized: every press conference, every glance in the garage, every comment about the other’s performance.
As the 2025 season approaches, with testing set to begin in February at Sepang, all eyes will be on Ducati’s dynamic duo. Bagnaia may feel undervalued, but he’s got the chance to let his riding do the talking. Marquez, meanwhile, will aim to prove his worth beyond the paycheck. One thing’s certain: this isn’t just a fight for the championship—it’s a clash of titans, and MotoGP fans are in for a thrilling ride.
