In an exclusive turn of events that is stirring both excitement and controversy within the MotoGP community, Ducati’s CEO and reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia have just made bold statements about Marc Márquez following Ducati’s 2025 launch. These comments have sent shockwaves through the paddock, as the ongoing rivalry between Ducati and Márquez’s Honda has already been one of the defining storylines in recent seasons. The statements come at a time when Ducati has positioned itself as the dominant force in MotoGP, while Márquez, after a period of injury and recovery, is looking to mount a serious challenge in the upcoming season.
The 2025 Ducati launch was a major event for the Italian brand, as the team unveiled their new machine with the hope of continuing their reign at the top of the MotoGP standings. Francesco Bagnaia, who has been nothing short of sensational since joining the Ducati factory team, delivered an impassioned speech about the team’s goals for the upcoming season. Ducati’s CEO also made sure to underline the team’s determination to retain the top spot in the sport.
However, the conversation quickly shifted to their longtime rival, Marc Márquez, when both Bagnaia and the CEO were asked about the Spaniard’s potential challenge for the 2025 title. The Ducati duo’s responses have certainly caught the attention of fans and analysts, as they were far from complimentary. Bagnaia, who has had a dominant season with Ducati, spoke directly about Márquez’s struggles with Honda and his ability to bounce back from injuries.
“I respect Marc and his career, but we know that MotoGP is a different game now,” Bagnaia said, with a sharp tone. “Honda has not been the competitive force it once was, and Marc has been dealing with a lot of difficulties over the past couple of years. While he remains one of the most talented riders in history, I believe the game has changed. Ducati is in a different place now, and we’re focused on moving forward, not looking back at someone’s past achievements.”
Bagnaia’s words seemed pointed, and they certainly highlighted the contrast between Ducati’s current momentum and Honda’s ongoing struggles. Ducati has been on an upward trajectory, with their Desmosedici GP bike considered one of the most advanced machines in the paddock. Bagnaia’s success, alongside teammate Jack Miller and other riders, has shown that Ducati’s technical and performance edge is significant, and they are the team to beat in the 2025 season.
Ducati’s CEO also joined in the conversation, making a strong statement about the future of the team and the challenges they expect from rival teams. “Marc Márquez is undoubtedly a legend, but the current reality is that Honda has fallen behind in terms of development,” the CEO said. “We have been investing heavily in our bike and our riders. The team is unified and focused on staying ahead of the competition. If Marc is truly going to challenge us, he will need to show he can overcome Honda’s current struggles and adapt to the evolving nature of the sport. Right now, we’re in a place where we don’t see any real competition from Honda.”
The statements from both Bagnaia and Ducati’s CEO are certainly controversial. While it’s clear that Ducati has been dominating in recent seasons, especially with Bagnaia’s title-winning performance, their words seem to dismiss the potential for a return to prominence for Honda and Marc Márquez. Márquez, a rider who has dominated the sport for much of the past decade, has faced serious challenges with injuries and the underperformance of his Honda bike in recent years. However, it’s clear that Bagnaia and the Ducati team are not underestimating the challenge that Márquez will bring, but their focus is on continuing to build on their own success.
The words from Ducati’s top figures will undoubtedly add fuel to the fire in the rivalry between Ducati and Honda, and it sets the stage for an even more intense 2025 season. Marc Márquez, who has recently shown signs of returning to his best form after a series of injury setbacks, will no doubt be motivated by these comments. The Spaniard has always thrived under pressure and has a history of silencing critics with his incredible performances on the track. With Honda reportedly working on significant updates to their bike in preparation for the new season, Márquez will be looking to make a statement and prove that he can still compete at the highest level.
For Ducati, Bagnaia’s comments highlight the confidence the team has in its ability to continue its dominance in the sport. The Desmosedici GP has been a class leader in terms of both speed and handling, and Ducati has made huge strides in terms of reliability and consistency. Bagnaia’s own form in 2023 and 2024 has been impeccable, and with the support of the Ducati team, he looks poised to defend his title and continue his quest for more championships.
However, the bold remarks about Márquez and Honda are not without risk. MotoGP is a highly unpredictable sport, and while Ducati is clearly the team to beat right now, the nature of the championship means that things can change rapidly. Honda is not a team to be underestimated, and Márquez’s hunger for success remains undiminished despite the challenges he’s faced. The pressure is now firmly on both Ducati and Márquez to prove their worth in the 2025 season.
As the 2025 season approaches, the rivalry between Ducati and Honda will continue to intensify, and the battle between Bagnaia and Márquez will be one of the most intriguing subplots of the year. With Ducati’s confidence sky-high after their 2025 launch and Márquez determined to make a statement, it’s shaping up to be a season for the history books. The MotoGP world is watching closely as two of the sport’s biggest stars prepare to clash once again, with Ducati and Honda both hoping to come out on top.
