The MotoGP world is reeling from a bombshell statement by nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi, who has publicly defended his protégé, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix in August 2025. Rossi, a towering figure in motorcycle racing, has accused Ducati of favoring Marc Marquez in the development and application of the controversial tire pressure system, a claim that has sent shockwaves through the paddock and left Ducati’s technical director, Gigi Dall’Igna, visibly embarrassed and uncharacteristically silent. The allegations come at a critical juncture in the 2025 MotoGP season, with Marquez dominating the championship and Bagnaia struggling to keep pace, reigniting tensions rooted in Rossi’s historic rivalry with Marquez.

The tire pressure system, a relatively new regulation in MotoGP, mandates minimum tire pressure levels to ensure safety and performance consistency. Teams use sophisticated sensors to monitor and adjust tire pressures in real-time, a technology that has sparked debates over fairness and competitive advantage. Rossi, speaking to Italian media outlet GP One before the Austrian GP, suggested that Ducati’s factory team has tailored the system’s development to suit Marquez’s riding style, giving the Spaniard an edge over Bagnaia. “Pecco is fighting with everything he has, but it’s clear the team is giving Marc something extra with the tire setup,” Rossi stated, his words dripping with frustration. “It’s not fair to Pecco, who has given so much to Ducati.” The accusation has fueled speculation about internal team dynamics, especially given Marquez’s commanding 168-point lead over Bagnaia as of August 2025.

Rossi’s comments are not without context. The 46-year-old legend, who mentored Bagnaia through his VR46 Riders Academy, has a storied history with Marquez, marked by their infamous feud that began in 2015. That year, Rossi accused Marquez of sabotaging his championship bid, a conflict that culminated in a controversial clash at Sepang and a penalty that cost Rossi the title. The lingering animosity between the two has seemingly carried over to the next generation, with Bagnaia, a two-time MotoGP champion, now sharing the Ducati garage with Marquez. Rossi’s defense of Bagnaia appears to be both a show of loyalty to his protégé and a pointed jab at Marquez, whom he believes is receiving preferential treatment from Ducati’s technical team.

The allegations have put Gigi Dall’Igna, the mastermind behind Ducati’s recent dominance, in an uncomfortable spotlight. Known for his technical genius and stoic demeanor, Dall’Igna has remained silent on the matter, a response that many interpret as an admission of awkwardness. Sources within Ducati suggest that the team is working to balance the needs of both riders, but Marquez’s exceptional synergy with the 2025 Desmosedici GP25 has overshadowed Bagnaia’s efforts. Marquez has secured eight victories, including five consecutive wins, while Bagnaia has managed only one pole position and one victory in the first 12 races of the season. The disparity has led to comparisons with Rossi’s own struggles at Ducati in 2011 and 2012, when he was outpaced by Casey Stoner, as noted by journalist David Emmett on the Paddock Pass podcast.

The tire pressure controversy is particularly contentious because it highlights the delicate balance of team dynamics in MotoGP. Marquez, an eight-time world champion, has adapted seamlessly to the GP25, leveraging his aggressive riding style to maximize the bike’s potential. Bagnaia, on the other hand, has admitted to needing a perfect front-end setup to extract the bike’s full performance, a challenge exacerbated by the new tire pressure regulations. Rossi’s claim that Ducati is prioritizing Marquez’s feedback over Bagnaia’s has sparked debate about fairness, especially since Bagnaia delivered Ducati’s first titles since Stoner in 2007. The Italian’s loyalty to Ducati, coupled with his status as a VR46 Academy graduate, makes Rossi’s intervention a powerful statement.

The fallout from Rossi’s comments has broader implications for the Austrian GP and the remainder of the 2025 season. The Red Bull Ring, a track where Ducati has historically excelled, is expected to be a battleground for Marquez and Bagnaia, with Rossi’s words adding fuel to the intra-team rivalry. Fans and analysts are watching closely to see if Bagnaia can rebound from his challenging season and challenge Marquez’s dominance. Meanwhile, Ducati faces the delicate task of managing two of MotoGP’s biggest stars without alienating either. Rossi’s outspoken defense of Bagnaia has not only reignited old tensions but also underscored the high stakes of the championship. As the paddock braces for the Austrian GP, all eyes are on Ducati, Marquez, Bagnaia, and the silent Gigi Dall’Igna, whose next move could define the season.