In a surprising twist following the 2025 ThaiGP, Domizia Castagnini, the wife of two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, has publicly blamed legendary rider Valentino Rossi for her husband’s underwhelming performance. The season-opening race at Buriram saw Bagnaia, a rider known for his precision and tenacity, finish third in both the Sprint and Grand Prix—respectable results on paper, but a far cry from the dominance fans have come to expect from the Italian star. Castagnini’s pointed remarks have ignited debates across the MotoGP community, raising questions about Rossi’s influence, Bagnaia’s current form, and the dynamics within the Ducati camp.

The ThaiGP, held under sweltering conditions at the Chang International Circuit, was a showcase of raw talent and fierce competition. Marc Marquez, Bagnaia’s new teammate at Ducati Lenovo, stole the spotlight with a commanding victory in both races, leaving his rivals—including Bagnaia—in the dust. For Bagnaia, a rider who clinched 11 Grand Prix wins in 2024, settling for third place behind Marquez and his brother Alex Marquez felt like a bitter pill to swallow. After the race, Bagnaia himself admitted, “I’m not here to finish third,” hinting at his frustration with his performance and the bike’s setup following a challenging preseason.

Enter Domizia Castagnini, whose comments have added fuel to an already blazing narrative. Speaking to a small group of Italian journalists after the race, she didn’t mince words: “Valentino has a role in this. Pecco looks up to him, trusts him, and maybe that’s part of why things didn’t go as planned.” Her statement suggests that Rossi, Bagnaia’s mentor and a towering figure in MotoGP history, may have inadvertently steered the 28-year-old rider off course. But what exactly does this mean? Is it a critique of Rossi’s advice, his presence, or something deeper within the VR46 Academy, where Bagnaia honed his skills under Rossi’s guidance?

Valentino Rossi, now retired from racing but still a pivotal figure through his VR46 team and academy, has long been a mentor to Bagnaia. Their bond is well-documented—Rossi has often praised Bagnaia’s talent, calling him one of the brightest stars of the new generation. Yet, Castagnini’s accusation hints at a possible rift or, at the very least, a misalignment. Could Rossi’s influence, once a cornerstone of Bagnaia’s success, now be a double-edged sword as the Italian faces unprecedented pressure from Marquez within the Ducati garage?

The ThaiGP exposed vulnerabilities in Bagnaia’s campaign that few anticipated. After a troubled preseason marked by technical issues and an inability to complete a full race simulation, Bagnaia entered the season opener at a disadvantage compared to Marquez, who seemed to adapt effortlessly to the 2025 Desmosedici. Ducati Corse boss Gigi Dall’Igna acknowledged this, noting, “Pecco has room for improvement, and I expect him to bring it out.” But Castagnini’s comments shift some of that burden onto Rossi, suggesting that the nine-time world champion’s guidance—whether tactical, psychological, or otherwise—may have faltered at a critical moment.

Fans and analysts are divided. Some see Castagnini’s outburst as an emotional reaction from a supportive spouse, while others wonder if there’s truth behind her words. Rossi’s track record as a mentor is undeniable—Bagnaia’s two world titles bear the imprint of the VR46 Academy’s rigorous training. Yet, the arrival of Marquez, Rossi’s longtime rival, into Ducati’s factory team has undeniably shifted the dynamic. Sylvain Guintoli, a MotoGP pundit, recently remarked, “I don’t know how much Vale can help Pecco now,” pointing to the challenge Bagnaia faces in balancing Rossi’s advice with the need to counter Marquez’s aggressive, instinctive style.

For Bagnaia, the road ahead is daunting. Already 14 points behind Marquez after just one round, he faces a 22-race season where every misstep will be magnified. The upcoming races in Argentina and Austin—tracks where he has historically struggled—will test his resilience. Meanwhile, Castagnini’s comments linger, prompting speculation about whether Rossi will respond or if this will quietly simmer within the team. One thing is certain: the ThaiGP has set the stage for a season of high stakes, fierce rivalries, and unexpected drama. As Bagnaia fights to reclaim his throne, the shadow of Rossi’s influence—whether a help or a hindrance—looms large.