In a dramatic turn of events that has shaken both the MotoGP and F1 communities, Domizia Castagnini, wife of two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, sparked a storm of controversy with a harsh public statement directed at Ducati. Her comments, accusing the Italian automotive company of disrespecting her husband, triggered strong reactions from Ducati’s leadership and Bagnaia’s teammate Marc Márquez. The controversy, which erupted in April 2025, has captivated fans and raised questions about team dynamics, loyalty, and the high-risk world of motorcycle racing.
The saga began when Castagnini expressed her frustration on social media regarding Ducati’s handling of Bagnaia, the rider who had brought the team its first World Championship titles in 15 years in 2022 and 2023. Her post, which quickly went viral, read: “Ducati has not respected Pecco and will pay the price for its decisions.” While she did not specify the nature of the alleged disrespect, many speculated that it was linked to Ducati’s decision to sign six-time world champion Marc Márquez for the 2025 official team, a move that changed the internal dynamics of the team. Bagnaia, who had long been the face of Ducati’s resurgence, now shares the garage with a formidable rival, creating a high-pressure environment that some believe has sidelined the Italian star.
The timing of Castagnini’s outburst is significant. Bagnaia has faced a difficult start to the 2025 MotoGP season, struggling to match the pace of Márquez, who has dominated with victories in every sprint and in three of the first four Grand Prix. Bagnaia, 26 points behind Márquez in the championship standings, secured a victory at the Americas Grand Prix, but otherwise, he has been unable to challenge his teammate in head-to-head racing. Some rumors suggest that Bagnaia has struggled with the new Ducati GP25, citing issues with the chassis and engine performance, while Márquez adapted without problems. This disparity has fueled speculation that Ducati’s engineers are prioritizing Márquez, a claim echoed by Castagnini’s statement.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali was quick to respond, defending the team’s commitment to both riders. In a press conference, he stated: “Ducati has always supported Pecco, and his two world titles are proof of that. Our goal is to win, and both riders are given the same opportunities for success. These accusations are unjust and do not reflect the reality of our team.” Domenicali also addressed the decision to hire Márquez, acknowledging its divisive nature but emphasizing the undeniable talent of the Spaniard. “Marc is a champion, and his presence pushes everyone to improve,” he said, rejecting insinuations of favoritism.
Márquez, known for his competitiveness and media savvy, also intervened with a sharp response. “I respect Pecco as a rider and a champion, but I’m here to win, just like him,” Márquez stated in an interview. “If there’s tension, it’s because we both aim to be the best. That’s racing.” His comments, though diplomatic, underscored the fierce rivalry between the two riders, a dynamic that has been a focal point of the 2025 season. Márquez’s seamless integration into the Ducati Lenovo Team, coupled with his strong season start, has only intensified attention on Bagnaia’s performance and the team’s management of their stars.
The controversy has sparked a wide debate among fans and pundits. Some believe that Castagnini’s comments reflect genuine frustration at the internal dynamics of Bagnaia’s team, citing incidents like the Americas Grand Prix, where Ducati allegedly withheld strategic information about tire choice from Bagnaia in favor of Márquez. Others argue that her statement was an emotional reaction to the pressure Bagnaia faces in a team now centered around two alpha personalities. Former MotoGP rider Randy Mamola has warned against underestimating Bagnaia, recalling his 11 Grand Prix wins in 2024 and urging fans to recognize his resilience.
The consequences of this episode will likely influence the remainder of the 2025 MotoGP season. With the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez just around the corner, all eyes will be on Bagnaia and Márquez, as they navigate their rivalry both on and off the track. For Ducati, managing the egos of two world champions while maintaining team harmony will be a difficult challenge. Castagnini’s bold statement has not only exposed latent tensions but also set the stage for a dramatic showdown in the upcoming races. As the MotoGP world watches, one thing is clear: the battle for supremacy within Ducati is far from over.
