The 2025 MotoGP season promises to be an unforgettable one thanks to the formation of the Ducati Factory team with two legendary riders: Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia. With eight world titles combined (six for Márquez and two for Bagnaia), their arrival in the same garage has already provoked mixed reactions. During the recent Ducati GP25 tests in Barcelona, the collaboration between the two champions yielded promising results, but not without moments of tension.
Ducati Team Manager Davide Tardozzi underlined the historical importance of this pairing, comparing it to the iconic one between Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo in the Yamaha era. Tardozzi defined the Márquez-Bagnaia duo as unique, stating that “no team in the history of the world of motorcycling has ever had such a high level of riders in the same garage”. The tests immediately showed the potential of this pairing: Márquez recorded the fourth fastest time, just behind Bagnaia, demonstrating a surprisingly quick adaptation to the Ducati GP25. This result thrilled not only the fans but also the team leaders, and sporting director Mauro Grassi praised Márquez’s ability to face the new challenge.
The relationship between Marquez and Bagnaia has already raised numerous questions. Both riders demonstrated professionalism, exchanging opinions on the bike and contributing to its development, but keen observers noted that the two are not free from rivalry. “They are two world champions, with strong egos, but they behave professionally for the good of the team,” said Grassi. However, he also acknowledged that the risk of conflict in the future cannot be ruled out. Their collaboration during testing represents an important first step, but the real test will be during the season, when personal ambitions inevitably come into play.
A lighthearted moment during testing brought a smile to the faces of fans and highlighted Marc Marquez’s human side. After finishing a session, Marquez joked with the Gresini team, which includes his brother Alex Marquez and team manager Michele Masini. With a playful middle finger gesture, Marc responded to the taunts of the Gresini team, who had predicted to be faster than him during testing. “The Gresini team is always joking,” Marquez explained, laughing. “They told me they were going to beat me and Alex did. It was just an ironic response.” This episode added a touch of humanity to a context dominated by competition.
The Ducati GP25 impressed everyone during testing, demonstrating a technical evolution that promises great results for 2025. Both riders provided similar feedback on the bike, a sign that the team is working in the right direction. “When two world champions share similar opinions on the bike, it is a confirmation of our work,” said Grassi, underlining how this synergy is fundamental to the success of the Ducati project.
The upcoming MotoGP season will be one of the most eagerly awaited in the championship’s recent history. With two top-level riders in the same garage, Ducati has the potential to dominate. However, the real test will be to maintain the balance between collaboration and competition. The pressure on Márquez and Bagnaia will be immense, and the inevitable tensions could affect their relationship and performance on track. Despite this, Grassi remains optimistic and calls the 2025 season “a great experience, even if it won’t always be easy.”
The first chapter of the Márquez-Bagnaia collaboration has already proven to be full of promise and unforgettable moments. Can the two champions put aside their personal rivalries to lead Ducati to the top, or will tensions flare and compromise everything? One thing is certain: 2025 will be a year that MotoGP fans will not soon forget.
