The world of MotoGP is no stranger to drama, both on and off the track, but a recent incident involving Domizia Castagnini, wife of two-time MotoGP champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, and Gemma Pinto, girlfriend of eight-time world champion Marc Marquez, has sent shockwaves through the paddock. The controversy stems from a provocative statement allegedly made by Pinto about Bagnaia, which Castagnini has publicly challenged, igniting a firestorm of speculation and debate among fans and insiders alike. As the 2025 MotoGP season unfolds, this off-track saga has added a new layer of intrigue to an already intense rivalry between two of the sport’s biggest stars.
The incident traces back to the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello in June 2025, where Marquez delivered a stunning victory, his first at the iconic circuit since 2014. Riding for the factory Ducati Lenovo Team, Marquez outmaneuvered Bagnaia in a thrilling duel, cementing his resurgence after years of injury-plagued struggles. While the race itself was a spectacle, it was Pinto’s post-race social media post that stole the headlines. In a now-deleted Instagram story, Pinto reportedly wrote, “The land of Rossi has been taken by Marc Marquez,” a bold statement that appeared to celebrate Marquez’s triumph at Mugello, a circuit synonymous with Italian legend Valentino Rossi. The comment, however, was interpreted by some as a slight not only against Rossi but also against Bagnaia, the reigning champion and Italy’s current MotoGP standard-bearer.
Castagnini, known for her active presence on social media and her unwavering support for her husband, did not take kindly to Pinto’s remarks. Sources close to the Ducati team suggest that Castagnini viewed the statement as disrespectful, particularly given the historical tensions between Marquez and Rossi, which date back to the infamous 2015 Sepang Clash. That incident fractured the relationship between the two riders and left a lasting divide among fans, with Rossi’s loyal Italian supporters often booing Marquez at Mugello. For Castagnini, Pinto’s comment seemed to trivialize Bagnaia’s efforts and the emotional weight of the Mugello race for Italian fans.
The situation escalated when Castagnini took to social media to address the issue directly. In a series of posts on X, she accused Pinto of making “unnecessary and provocative” comments about her husband, urging her to show more respect for the sport’s competitors. “Pecco gives everything on the track, and comments like these undermine the spirit of MotoGP,” Castagnini wrote, sparking a heated online debate. Fans were quick to take sides, with Marquez supporters praising Pinto’s boldness as a celebration of his comeback, while Bagnaia’s fans rallied behind Castagnini, calling Pinto’s statement “classless” and “disrespectful.”
The controversy was further fueled by the dynamic within the Ducati Lenovo Team, where both Marquez and Bagnaia compete. Team manager Davide Tardozzi, known for his efforts to foster unity, has previously called for reconciliation between Marquez and Rossi’s fanbase, noting that the booing of Marquez had decreased in 2025 but remained a sensitive issue. Tardozzi reportedly attempted to mediate the situation, but the public nature of Castagnini’s response made it difficult to contain. Insiders suggest that the team is keen to avoid any further escalation, especially as both riders are vying for the 2025 championship.
Pinto, a Spanish model and influencer with a significant Instagram following, has become a prominent figure in the MotoGP paddock since her relationship with Marquez became public in 2023. Her playful interactions, such as the lighthearted Italian language test organized by Tardozzi and administered by Castagnini during the Grand Prix of the Americas in April 2025, initially showcased a friendly rapport between the two women. However, the Mugello incident has strained their relationship, with Castagnini’s accusation highlighting the competitive undercurrents that extend beyond the racetrack.
The fallout has also drawn attention to the personal lives of MotoGP’s biggest stars. Castagnini, a fashion buyer from Chivasso, has been a steadfast presence in Bagnaia’s life since their teenage years, marrying him in 2024 after a long-term relationship. Her outspoken defense of her husband reflects her deep involvement in his career and her willingness to confront perceived slights. Meanwhile, Pinto’s growing influence as a social media personality has amplified the scrutiny on her actions, with every post dissected by fans eager for insights into Marquez’s personal life.
As the MotoGP season progresses, the tension between Castagnini and Pinto adds a compelling subplot to the on-track battles. While Marquez and Bagnaia continue to push the limits on their Ducati machines, their partners’ public spat has raised questions about sportsmanship, loyalty, and the role of personal relationships in the high-stakes world of professional racing. For now, the paddock is buzzing with anticipation, waiting to see if this controversy will spill over into the next race or if cooler heads will prevail. One thing is certain: in MotoGP, the drama never stays confined to the track.
