The MotoGP world has been rocked by explosive comments from Domizia Castagnini, wife of reigning champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, who openly expressed her pain over her husband’s treatment at Ducati. Castagnini revealed in a candid interview that Bagnaia was struggling emotionally and felt sidelined by the Italian manufacturer in favor of his teammate Marc Márquez. Her comments sparked a storm of speculation about Ducati’s internal politics and raised questions about team dynamics, nepotism, and the pressure-filled environment of professional racing.
Castagnini’s words painted a portrait of a man under tremendous pressure. “I feel like she’s no longer herself when he’s there,” he said, his voice thick with concern. He described how Bagnaia, a rider known for his calmness and precision, struggled with feelings of betrayal. According to Castagnini, the root of her husband’s discontent lies in Ducati’s clear preference for six-time MotoGP world champion Márquez, who joined the team in 2024. While Márquez’s arrival is expected to strengthen Ducati’s dominance, Castagnini believes it has come at the expense of her husband’s trust and standing within the team.
The tension between Bagnaia and Ducati reportedly stemmed from decisions made behind closed doors. Castagnini suggested that the team’s management, led by Ducati Corse CEO Gigi Dall’Igna, was prioritizing Márquez’s needs over Bagnaia’s. She pointed to differences in technical support, bike development, and media attention as evidence of this favoritism. “They don’t respect what Pecco has done for them,” she said, referring to Bagnaia’s role in helping Ducati secure its first riders’ title in 15 years in 2022 and retain it in 2023. For Castagnini, the team’s shift in approach feels like a personal affront to her husband’s loyalty and achievements.
Pundits have long speculated about the difficulties of managing two superstar riders in the same team. With his aggressive riding style and global fan base, Márquez is a marketing giant and a proven winner. His presence has undoubtedly raised Ducati’s profile, but it may have created a hierarchy that has made Bagnaia feel like a second-class citizen. Castagnini has hinted at “truths” within Ducati that have yet to come to light, fueling rumors of strategic decisions that prioritize Márquez’s pursuit of a seventh title over Bagnaia’s campaign to retain his crown.
The timing of Castagnini’s comments couldn’t be more critical. As the 2025 MotoGP season continues, Bagnaia has faced inconsistent results and struggled to maintain the pace he displayed in previous years. Meanwhile, Márquez showed glimpses of his former brilliance, quickly adapting to the Ducati machine and climbing onto the podium. This contrast further reinforced the perception that Ducati’s resources were tilted in Márquez’s favor. Fans on social media took sides: some praising Márquez’s resurgence, while others supported Bagnaia and accused Ducati of undermining its champion.
Ducati has yet to officially respond to Castagnini’s accusations, but the controversy threatens to destabilize the team at a critical time. The manufacturer has achieved unprecedented success in recent years, dominating both the manufacturers’ and riders’ championships. However, internal disagreements could jeopardize its ability to fend off challenges from rivals like Yamaha and Aprilia, which are closing the gap. For Bagnaia, the situation is deeply personal. As a rider who spent his entire MotoGP career with Ducati, his loyalty to the brand is unquestionable, making the perceived lack of reciprocity all the more painful.
Castagnini’s emotional plea also shed light on the human cost of elite competition. Behind the glamour of MotoGP lies a world of relentless pressure, where riders must contend not only with the dangers of the track but also the politics of their teams. For Bagnaia, the weight of defending his title while feeling undervalued has clearly taken its toll. “I just want him to be happy again,” Castagnini said, words that resonated with the fans who watched Bagnaia’s journey from underdog to champion.
As the MotoGP circus moves toward the next race, all eyes will be on Ducati. Will they respond to accusations of favoritism? Can Bagnaia rediscover his spark and silence the doubters? And what other secrets lurk beneath the surface of this high-stakes drama? For now, Castagnini’s words have set the stage for a showdown that will extend far beyond the racetrack and could redefine the future of Ducati and its star riders.
