The 2025 MotoGP season has been nothing short of electrifying, with drama both on and off the track. The Czech Grand Prix at Brno was a particularly contentious chapter, igniting a firestorm of controversy that has once again thrust the rivalry between Valentino Rossi’s protégé, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, and Marc Marquez into the spotlight. Following the race, Rossi, the nine-time world champion and mentor to Bagnaia, made headlines with a bold claim: Ducati, he alleged, had favored Marquez in the management of the tire pressure system, leaving Bagnaia at a disadvantage and causing visible embarrassment for Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna.
The Brno race saw both Ducati factory riders, Marquez and Bagnaia, grappling with the pressures of a new tire pressure regulation system designed to ensure compliance with minimum front tire pressure requirements. This system, which has been a point of contention in MotoGP due to its impact on performance, became a focal point in the Czech GP sprint. Marquez and Bagnaia started strongly, running 1-2 early in the race. However, both riders deliberately dropped back to ride in the slipstream of others to artificially raise their tire pressures, avoiding an eight-second penalty for non-compliance. Marquez executed this strategy flawlessly, tucking in behind KTM’s Pedro Acosta before repassing him to secure the win. Bagnaia, however, struggled to recover his position, finishing a disappointing seventh. The disparity in their outcomes raised eyebrows, and Rossi was quick to voice his concerns.
Speaking to Italian media post-race, Rossi did not mince words. He suggested that Ducati’s technical support leaned heavily in Marquez’s favor, particularly in how the team managed tire pressure data and strategy. “Pecco was left to fend for himself out there,” Rossi stated. “The data and setup advice seemed tailored to help Marc stay within the limits, while Pecco was hung out to dry. It’s not right for a team to show such bias when both riders are fighting for the championship.” Rossi’s comments pointed to a perceived imbalance in how Ducati’s engineers communicated tire pressure management strategies, leaving Bagnaia to navigate the complex system with less support.
The accusation sent shockwaves through the paddock, with all eyes turning to Gigi Dall’Igna, the mastermind behind Ducati’s recent dominance. Known for his meticulous approach and neutrality, Dall’Igna was reportedly taken aback by Rossi’s remarks. Sources close to the team noted that he remained silent in the immediate aftermath, neither confirming nor denying the claims, which some interpreted as a sign of discomfort. Rossi’s influence in MotoGP, amplified by his mentorship of Bagnaia through the VR46 Academy, gave his words significant weight, putting Ducati in an awkward position as they navigate the dynamics of their star-studded rider lineup.
The tension is not new. Rossi’s history with Marquez, marked by their infamous 2015 feud, has cast a long shadow over MotoGP. That year, Rossi accused Marquez of interfering in his title fight, a claim that culminated in a controversial clash at Sepang. The lingering animosity has seemingly trickled down to Bagnaia, who now shares the Ducati garage with Marquez. Rossi’s protective stance over Bagnaia reflects not only his belief in his protégé’s talent but also a lingering distrust of Marquez’s competitive tactics. The Czech GP incident, in Rossi’s view, was a clear example of Ducati prioritizing Marquez’s championship aspirations over Bagnaia’s.
Marquez, for his part, dismissed the allegations as baseless. After the race, he emphasized the challenges of the tire pressure system, noting that engineers often push the limits to maximize performance. “We’re all racing on the edge,” Marquez said. “The team did their job, and I managed the situation as best I could. It’s not about favoritism; it’s about execution.” His comments underscored his confidence in Ducati’s impartiality, but they did little to quell the growing narrative of team discord.
Bagnaia, ever the diplomat, avoided directly endorsing Rossi’s claims but expressed frustration with his performance. “I thought I was in the right pressure window, but the dashboard told me otherwise,” he said. “It’s tough when you’re fighting for position and managing these technicalities at the same time.” His seventh-place finish was a blow to his championship hopes, especially as Marquez extended his lead with another victory.
The controversy has reignited discussions about team dynamics at Ducati, particularly with two championship-caliber riders in the same garage. Rossi’s outspoken defense of Bagnaia has added fuel to the narrative of a divided team, with some speculating that Dall’Igna’s silence reflects a struggle to maintain harmony. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Ducati balances the ambitions of Marquez and Bagnaia, and whether Rossi’s influence will continue to shape the narrative. For now, the Czech GP has left a lingering question: can Ducati maintain its dominance without succumbing to internal strife?
