In a bold and surprising statement, the Ducati team boss has sparked controversy by claiming that only reigning MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia managed to discover the weak points of the GP25 during testing. The revelation, which highlights Bagnaia’s technical acumen, also casts doubt on the contribution of new signing Marc Marquez, one of the most celebrated riders in MotoGP history.

“Pecco was the only one who really understood the GP25’s potential and its shortcomings during the testing phase,” said the Ducati boss. “Marc, on the other hand, contributed little or nothing when it came to identifying areas for improvement.”

The comments have sparked debate in the MotoGP community, with some defending Marquez, citing his adaptation period with Ducati after years of racing for Honda. Others believe the statements reflect Ducati’s confidence in Bagnaia as its main rider, suggesting Marquez’s role may be more secondary than initially anticipated.

During pre-season testing, Bagnaia demonstrated an unrivalled ability to adapt to the handling of the GP25, identifying key areas for optimisation. His findings have been instrumental in honing the bike ahead of the 2024 season, giving Ducati a potential advantage in its aim to defend its title.

However, Marquez appears to be struggling to find his rhythm on the new machine. Known for his aggressive style and unwavering determination, many expected the eight-time world champion to quickly become a driving force within the Ducati team. Instead, this recent revelation has raised questions about his adaptation process and future contributions.

Fans and analysts are divided over the implications of the Ducati boss’s remarks. Some see them as an unnecessary snub to Marquez, while others see them as a reaffirmation of Bagnaia’s growing dominance in MotoGP. In any case, the statement underlines Ducati’s high expectations and its reliance on Bagnaia as a cornerstone of its racing success.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Ducati to see if this public recognition of Bagnaia’s contributions (and the implicit criticism of Marquez) will translate into on-track performance. With Bagnaia in top form and Marquez still finding his footing, the dynamics within Ducati could shape the trajectory of the upcoming championship in unexpected ways.