In a surprising and bold statement, Ducati’s star rider Francesco Bagnaia has explained why he believes Marc Márquez is better than MotoGP legends Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo when it comes to riding for Ducati. The comments have sparked debate among fans and experts alike, as they compare the strengths of three of the sport’s most successful riders.
Bagnaia, who has been one of Ducati’s key riders in recent years, has always been candid about his views on competitors, and his latest remarks are no exception. He praised Márquez’s skills and approach, citing specific reasons for his belief that the Spaniard outshines Rossi and Lorenzo when it comes to Ducati’s performance and bike handling.
“Marc has an incredible ability to adapt to any situation,” Bagnaia said. “His consistency, especially under pressure, is unmatched. He has a way of extracting the maximum from the Ducati that others couldn’t, including Rossi and Lorenzo, despite their legendary careers.”
Bagnaia went on to explain that, while Rossi and Lorenzo were undeniably brilliant during their time with Ducati, their performances were often hindered by the bike’s unique characteristics. “The Ducati has always been a bit of a beast to tame, especially with its handling. Rossi and Lorenzo were both extraordinary riders, but they struggled with that aspect,” Bagnaia added.
In contrast, Bagnaia believes that Márquez’s riding style is a perfect match for Ducati’s characteristics. The Honda rider, known for his fearless riding and unrelenting determination, has been able to extract extraordinary performance from Ducati’s powerful yet challenging machine. Bagnaia highlighted that Márquez’s style of pushing the bike to its absolute limit has been more effective in maximizing its potential compared to other riders in the past.
While Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo both had their moments of brilliance on Ducati, their time with the team was marked by struggles to fully integrate with the bike’s dynamics, often leading to inconsistent results. Rossi’s best years with Ducati came during a time when the bike was still in a period of development, while Lorenzo, despite his technical prowess, never quite clicked with Ducati’s aggressive setup.
On the other hand, Marc Márquez has shown time and again that his adaptability and aggressive approach to racing allow him to extract the best performance from almost any bike. His ability to adapt to Ducati’s nuances and handle its quirks has earned him respect, not only from his teammates but also from the wider racing community.
The comparison between these riders is likely to fuel more debates among MotoGP fans. While Bagnaia’s comments reflect his admiration for Márquez’s ability to handle Ducati’s challenges, it also serves as a reminder of how different riders have shaped the legacy of the sport in different ways.
As the 2025 MotoGP season progresses, all eyes will be on the Ducati team to see how Bagnaia, and possibly other riders, continue to evolve with the ever-changing bike dynamics. Bagnaia’s insights into Márquez’s talent and approach offer a glimpse into the complex world of MotoGP, where each rider brings a unique skill set to the table. The rivalry between these legends will continue to shape the future of the sport.
