Hot news: Ducati coach just spoke up about Bagnaia’s accident at Qatar 2025 “I’m not satisfied with his performance, look at Marc Marquez…” making Pecco feel unhappy at all.
The 2025 MotoGP season has already delivered high drama, and the Qatar Grand Prix proved to be a pivotal moment for the Ducati Lenovo Team. Following a shocking crash by Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia during qualifying, which left him starting from 11th on the grid, the team’s coach sparked controversy with pointed remarks about the Italian rider’s performance. In a post-session interview, the coach expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “I’m not happy with his form—look at Marc Marquez, for example.” The comment, which drew a stark comparison between Bagnaia and his teammate, has reportedly left the two-time world champion feeling frustrated and under pressure as the season progresses.
The Qatar Grand Prix, the fourth round of the 2025 season, was anticipated to be a turning point for Bagnaia. After a challenging start to the year, with third and fourth-place finishes in Thailand and Argentina, followed by a hard-fought victory at the Americas GP, the Italian was expected to shine at a track where he has historically performed well. Last year, Bagnaia won the Qatar Grand Prix, and his smooth, flowing riding style was thought to suit the Losail circuit’s layout. However, the weekend took a disastrous turn when he lost control during Q2, sliding into the gravel and missing out on a competitive grid position. Meanwhile, Marquez continued his flawless 2025 campaign, securing pole with a new lap record of 1m50.499s, further solidifying his dominance.
The coach’s remarks came at a particularly sensitive time for Bagnaia, who has been grappling with the GP25’s setup since pre-season testing. While Marquez adapted seamlessly to the new bike, Bagnaia has struggled to find the same confidence, particularly with front-end feel in left-hand corners. Data from the Argentina GP showed Bagnaia losing crucial tenths to Marquez, averaging 0.22 seconds slower per lap ata crucial factor in his early-season struggles. The coach’s comparison to Marquez, who has won every sprint and grand prix so far in 2025, likely stung Bagnaia, who prides himself on his meticulous approach to bike setup and race craft.
Sources close to the team suggest Bagnaia was visibly upset after the coach’s statement, though he has refrained from public retaliation. In a brief media interaction, he acknowledged the difficulties, saying, “It’s not where I want to be, but we’re working hard to close the gap. Qatar didn’t go as planned, but there’s a long season ahead.” His measured response contrasts with the growing tension within the Ducati garage, where the dynamic between Bagnaia and Marquez is under scrutiny. The Spanish rider, an eight-time world champion, has brought a new intensity to the team, pushing Bagnaia to adapt to a teammate who matches his ambition and skill.
The coach’s criticism also raises questions about team morale. Ducati’s general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, has previously defended Bagnaia, emphasizing the need to restore his confidence on the GP25. However, the latest remarks suggest a shift in tone, with some speculating the team is leaning toward Marquez as its leading contender. This perception was reinforced by Marquez’s commanding performance in Qatar qualifying, where he edged out his brother Alex Marquez and Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo. Bagnaia’s crash, by contrast, cost him valuable track time and highlighted ongoing setup issues that the team has yet to fully resolve.
Fans on social media have been vocal, with some praising the coach’s honesty and others accusing him of undermining Bagnaia at a critical moment. One user wrote, “Pecco doesn’t need this kind of pressure—he’s a champion, he’ll figure it out.” Another countered, “Marquez is on another level right now. The team’s just stating facts.” The polarized reactions reflect the high stakes of MotoGP’s ultra-competitive landscape, where every race can shift the championship narrative.
As the Qatar Grand Prix unfolds, all eyes will be on Bagnaia’s ability to rebound. Starting from 11th, he faces a steep challenge to fight through the field, especially with Marquez starting from pole and hungry for another victory. Ducati’s engineers are reportedly working overtime to fine-tune Bagnaia’s bike, focusing on electronics and suspension adjustments to improve corner entry stability. Whether these changes will help him rediscover his championship-winning form remains to be seen.
The incident underscores the relentless pressure at the top of MotoGP, where even a rider of Bagnaia’s caliber can face public scrutiny. For now, the Italian must block out the noise and focus on clawing back points in a season that’s already slipping away. Marquez, meanwhile, continues to set the pace, leaving little room for error. As the championship heads to its next round, the Ducati garage will need to navigate this internal friction carefully to maintain its dominance in 2025.
