The MotoGP paddock was rocked by a stunning revelation as Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the two-time world champion, reportedly demanded a salary higher than that of his new teammate, Marc Marquez, to extend his contract with Ducati beyond 2026. The Italian rider, who has been the cornerstone of Ducati’s recent dominance, made this bold move to cement his status as the team’s leading figure. However, the response from Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse’s general manager, left the racing world in disbelief, sparking intense discussions about the team’s future and the dynamics between its star riders.

Bagnaia, who secured his place with Ducati until 2026 with a contract signed in March 2024, currently earns a base salary of approximately €7 million per season, with the potential to exceed €10 million through performance bonuses, such as winning a third consecutive championship. This deal, reported by Motorsport, made him the highest-paid rider in MotoGP, surpassing Marquez, who is believed to earn around €10 million annually with Ducati after leaving Honda’s lucrative €16 million contract. Bagnaia’s demand for an even higher salary stems from his pivotal role in Ducati’s success, having delivered their first rider’s championship since Casey Stoner in 2007. His meticulous riding style and back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 have solidified his value, but the arrival of Marquez, an eight-time world champion, has shifted the team’s dynamics.

According to sources close to the negotiations, Bagnaia’s camp argued that his contributions, including his role in developing the Desmosedici into the grid’s most dominant bike, warranted a salary that outstripped Marquez’s. The Italian rider, aware of Marquez’s global marketability and massive fanbase, sought to assert his position as Ducati’s homegrown talent. However, Dall’Igna’s response was unexpected: he reportedly acknowledged Bagnaia’s importance but emphasized that Ducati’s priority was to maintain a balanced team dynamic to maximize their championship chances. In an interview with motogp.com, Dall’Igna stated, “Pecco is our champion, but Marc brings a unique intensity. Both are intelligent and know they must work together.” This pragmatic approach stunned observers, as it hinted at Ducati’s reluctance to favor one rider financially over the other, despite Bagnaia’s demands.

The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Bagnaia. While Marquez has dominated with nine wins in 12 races, leading the championship with 171 points, Bagnaia has struggled to find his form, sitting 31 points behind after lackluster results in Thailand and Argentina. Dall’Igna, in a Crash.net debrief, expressed frustration over Bagnaia’s inability to match Marquez’s pace, particularly due to issues with the GP25’s front-end feel. “Pecco cannot and should not have to work so hard for a third place,” he said, signaling Ducati’s commitment to addressing these technical challenges. Despite this, Marquez’s seamless adaptation to the Ducati, even on a year-old GP24 at Gresini, has intensified the pressure on Bagnaia, fueling speculation about his leverage in salary negotiations.

The decision to pair Marquez with Bagnaia in the factory team for 2025, at the expense of Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini, was a bold move by Dall’Igna. Martin, the 2024 champion, joined Aprilia after being overlooked, while Bastianini moved to Red Bull GasGas Tech3. Dall’Igna’s choice to prioritize Marquez, despite Bagnaia’s preference for Bastianini, sparked concerns about team harmony. Posts on X reflect divided sentiments, with some fans arguing that Ducati’s focus on Marquez could alienate Bagnaia, while others see the duo as the strongest in MotoGP history, combining 11 world titles. One user commented, “Pecco’s the homegrown hero, but Marc’s a marketing juggernaut. Ducati’s playing a dangerous game.”

Dall’Igna’s handling of the situation underscores his reputation as a strategic mastermind. In a February 2025 interview with Motorcycle Sports, he downplayed concerns about managing two alpha riders, stating, “It’s easy, honestly. They know the goal is to prepare the best bike possible.” However, Bagnaia’s salary demand highlights the underlying tension. If he secures a third title, his financial package could reach €10 million, but Marquez’s current dominance and commercial appeal complicate the equation. Ducati’s dominance, with six bikes in the top 10, gives them leverage, but losing Bagnaia to a rival like Aprilia or KTM would be a significant blow.

As the 2025 season progresses, with key races like Germany and Austria looming, Bagnaia faces pressure to reclaim his form. Marquez’s record at tracks like Sachsenring, where he has won 11 times, suggests he could extend his lead. For Ducati, balancing the egos and expectations of two champions while maintaining their technical edge is a delicate task. Dall’Igna’s refusal to fully meet Bagnaia’s salary demands signals a focus on collective success over individual stardom, but the outcome of this saga could reshape MotoGP’s landscape. Will Bagnaia accept Ducati’s terms, or will the allure of a rival team tempt him? The paddock watches with bated breath.