Francesco Bagnaia responds to Ducati contract stance: “We saw how it went with Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez”
In a recent statement that has sent ripples through the MotoGP paddock, reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia has addressed Ducati’s approach to rider contracts, drawing a pointed comparison to the experiences of Marc and Alex Marquez. The Italian rider, who has been a cornerstone of Ducati’s success in recent years, did not mince words when discussing the team’s contractual decisions, hinting at underlying tensions as the 2025 season looms. Bagnaia’s comments come at a time when speculation about rider line-ups and team dynamics is at an all-time high, with Ducati’s dominance in MotoGP making their every move a subject of intense scrutiny.
Bagnaia, affectionately known as “Pecco,” has been a standout performer for Ducati, securing back-to-back MotoGP titles in 2022 and 2023, and remaining a top contender in 2024. His synergy with the Desmosedici has been a key factor in Ducati’s stranglehold on the championship, with the Italian manufacturer winning the constructors’ title multiple years running. However, the decision-making process behind rider contracts has raised eyebrows, and Bagnaia’s remarks suggest a level of frustration with how Ducati has handled negotiations in the past. By invoking the Marquez brothers, he alluded to a history of controversial decisions that have left lingering questions about loyalty and strategy within the team.
Marc Marquez, a six-time MotoGP world champion, had a tumultuous relationship with Honda before making a shock move to Gresini Racing, a Ducati satellite team, in 2024. His departure from Honda was partly attributed to the team’s inability to provide a competitive bike, but his integration into the Ducati fold has been a game-changer. Marquez’s performances on the Desmosedici have been nothing short of spectacular, reigniting debates about whether Ducati should prioritize him for a factory seat in 2025. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez, Marc’s younger brother, has also carved out a solid career with Gresini, but his tenure has been overshadowed by his brother’s star power and the team’s focus on other riders. Bagnaia’s reference to the Marquez brothers seems to point to Ducati’s tendency to make pragmatic, sometimes ruthless, decisions when it comes to rider contracts, often prioritizing performance over loyalty.
The context of Bagnaia’s statement lies in Ducati’s recent announcement regarding their rider line-up strategy. While Bagnaia’s position as the factory team’s leading rider is secure, the battle for the second seat has been a hot topic. Enea Bastianini, Bagnaia’s current teammate, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency, partly due to injuries. Meanwhile, rising stars like Jorge Martin, who narrowly missed the 2023 title, and Marco Bezzecchi, a VR46 rider with strong ties to Valentino Rossi, have been vocal about their ambitions for a factory seat. Ducati’s decision to let Martin walk to Aprilia for 2025 has already sparked controversy, with many believing the Spaniard deserved a factory ride after his stellar performances. Bagnaia’s comments suggest he sees parallels between Ducati’s handling of Martin and the Marquez brothers’ experiences, where talent and results did not always guarantee security.
Bagnaia’s remarks also highlight the delicate balance Ducati must strike as they manage an embarrassment of riches in their rider roster. With eight bikes on the grid, Ducati has the luxury of choice but also the burden of keeping their riders satisfied. The team’s satellite outfits, including Pramac, Gresini, and VR46, have produced race winners, making the competition for factory seats fiercer than ever. Bagnaia, as the team’s golden boy, appears to be advocating for a more transparent and merit-based approach to contracts, possibly reflecting his own concerns about how Ducati navigates these decisions. His loyalty to the brand is unquestionable, but his comments suggest a desire for the team to reward consistency and commitment as much as raw pace.
As the 2025 season approaches, Ducati faces a pivotal moment. The addition of Marc Marquez to the factory team alongside Bagnaia is a bold move, one that could either solidify Ducati’s dominance or create friction within the garage. Bagnaia’s ability to maintain his edge while sharing the spotlight with a rider of Marquez’s caliber will be crucial. His recent comments indicate a rider who is not only focused on defending his title but also keenly aware of the politics that shape MotoGP’s top teams. For now, the paddock watches closely, knowing that Bagnaia’s words carry weight, both as a champion and as a voice within Ducati’s inner circle.
The MotoGP landscape is ever-changing, and Bagnaia’s statement serves as a reminder that even the most successful teams must navigate complex human dynamics. As Ducati continues to dominate, the question remains: will they learn from past decisions, or will history repeat itself? For Bagnaia, the answer lies in the races ahead, where he’ll aim to let his performance on the track speak louder than any contract disputes.
