“He caused Ducati to lose too much..” – Tardozzi made an UNEXPECTED STATEMENT aimed directly at Bagnaia after what Pecco showed at GP Assen !!

The 2025 MotoGP season has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Ducati Lenovo Team, with reigning champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia at the center of intense scrutiny following the recent Assen Grand Prix. Davide Tardozzi, the team manager, made headlines with a surprising and candid statement, suggesting that Bagnaia’s performance has been costing the team dearly. The remarks have sparked debates among fans and analysts, raising questions about the Italian rider’s form and his ability to lead Ducati to another championship title.

Bagnaia, a two-time MotoGP World Champion (2022 and 2023), has been a cornerstone of Ducati’s dominance in recent years. His remarkable talent, honed under the guidance of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Academy, has seen him secure 25 premier class victories, including a record-breaking eight feature race wins in the 2024 season. However, the 2025 season has not been smooth sailing for the Turin native. Despite his undeniable speed, Bagnaia’s campaign has been marred by inconsistency, with critical mistakes that have cost valuable points in the championship race.

At the Assen GP, often referred to as the “Cathedral of Speed,” Bagnaia’s performance was a mixed bag. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his weekend was overshadowed by a crash in the sprint race and a 10th-place finish in the main race after a controversial 16-second penalty for a tire-pressure infringement. These setbacks allowed championship rival Jorge Martín to close the gap, leaving Bagnaia trailing in the standings. Tardozzi’s frustration was palpable when he stated, “We know who Bagnaia is. He doesn’t lack speed, but that bit of confidence to return to what he was last year. He cost Ducati too much.” His words, reported widely, hinted at a growing concern within the team about Bagnaia’s ability to maintain consistency under pressure.

The Assen GP was particularly disappointing for Ducati, as it highlighted a recurring issue for Bagnaia: unforced errors at critical moments. Earlier in his career, Bagnaia faced similar challenges. In 2020, he suffered a crash while leading at the Emilia Romagna GP, and in 2021, a fall at the Italian GP cost him a potential home victory. These incidents, coupled with his recent struggles, have fueled speculation that the pressure of defending his title and competing against formidable opponents like Martín and Marc Márquez is taking its toll.

Tardozzi’s comments also reflect the high expectations placed on Bagnaia as the face of Ducati’s factory team. The Desmosedici GP25, a technological marvel with its aerodynamic advancements and powerful V4 engine, is designed to dominate the grid. With seven Ducati bikes in the top 10 at various points in the 2024 season, the team’s engineering prowess is undeniable. Yet, Bagnaia’s mistakes have prevented the team from fully capitalizing on their technical superiority. His crash in the sprint race at Malaysia and the points lost at Assen have left Ducati scrambling to maintain their lead in the constructors’ championship.

The dynamic within the Ducati Lenovo Team is further complicated by the arrival of Marc Márquez, the eight-time world champion, as Bagnaia’s teammate for 2025. Márquez’s dominant performance at the Aragon GP, where he secured his first MotoGP win in over 1,000 days, has intensified the spotlight on Bagnaia. The Spaniard’s ability to adapt to the Ducati after years with Honda has raised questions about whether Bagnaia can maintain his status as the team’s leading rider. Tardozzi’s statement may also serve as a wake-up call, urging Bagnaia to rediscover the confidence that propelled him to back-to-back titles.

Despite the criticism, there is no denying Bagnaia’s talent. His ability to set blistering lap times and execute daring overtakes remains unmatched when he’s at his best. Posts on X have echoed Tardozzi’s sentiments, with some noting that Bagnaia’s data shows he’s still as fast as ever, but his mental approach needs refinement. Fans remain divided, with some defending Pecco’s aggressive riding style, while others argue that his errors are unacceptable for a rider of his caliber.

As the 2025 season progresses, Bagnaia faces a pivotal moment in his career. With the final rounds approaching, including the decisive Barcelona GP, he must regroup and demonstrate the resilience that made him a champion. Ducati’s legacy in MotoGP, built on the triumphs of riders like Casey Stoner and now Bagnaia, hangs in the balance. Tardozzi’s blunt assessment may be the catalyst Bagnaia needs to silence his critics and prove that he remains the rider to beat. For now, the MotoGP world watches eagerly, waiting to see if Pecco can rise above the pressure and deliver the results Ducati demands.