The 2025 MotoGP season has barely begun, but the drama is already unfolding at full speed. Valentino Rossi, the legendary nine-time world champion, has ignited a firestorm by revealing what Ducati Lenovo had been dreading all along—the escalating tension between Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, now teammates at Ducati.
As testing for the new season kicks off, Rossi’s unexpected comments have sent shockwaves through the paddock, exposing a dramatic, potentially illegal rivalry within Ducati. What did he reveal? And could this internal war between Bagnaia and Marquez jeopardize Ducati’s dominance?
Rossi Breaks His Silence on Ducati’s Internal War
Valentino Rossi, one of the most respected voices in MotoGP, rarely speaks without purpose. However, his recent remarks about the Pecco vs. Marquez dynamic at Ducati Lenovo have sparked major concerns.
Speaking after the first day of pre-season testing, Rossi said:
“It’s exactly what I expected. Ducati has a big problem now—one they feared but couldn’t avoid. Pecco and Marc are both champions, but they don’t see each other as teammates. They see each other as enemies. And when two aggressive riders push the limits like this, something illegal or dangerous could happen.”
This bombshell has fueled speculation that Ducati is already struggling to control two of MotoGP’s most dominant riders—each with their own agenda.
The Brewing Conflict: Pecco vs. Marquez
Before the 2025 season even began, MotoGP fans knew that placing two alpha riders in the same garage would be a recipe for fireworks. Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning double world champion, has established himself as Ducati’s golden boy. Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP champion, is the biggest risk Ducati has taken in years, bringing his aggressive style and a win-at-all costs mentality.
Why is Ducati afraid?
Rossi’s revelation has confirmed what many suspected—Ducati knew that Pecco and Marquez could become uncontrollable rivals rather than cooperative teammates. Their concerns are valid because:
- Pecco Bagnaia feels threatened. As the defending champion, he is Ducati’s number-one rider. But Marquez’s arrival puts his status at risk. Losing to Marc—even once—could shake his confidence.
- Marquez is desperate to win again – After struggling at Honda, Marquez wants to prove he is still the best, even if it means taking risks that push the limits of legality.
- Team orders may not work—Ducati’s leadership is worried that both riders will ignore team strategies, leading to on-track clashes that could cost valuable points in the championship.
What Happened on the First Day of Testing?
The first day of testing was a disaster for Ducati Lenovo. According to inside sources, Bagnaia and Marquez immediately turned the session into an unofficial race, disregarding Ducati’s planned test program.
Key Incidents from the Test
- Multiple on-track battles: Rather than working together, Pecco and Marquez reportedly pushed each other in aggressive duels, simulating race conditions instead of gathering crucial data.
- A near-collision: Marquez reportedly made a risky move on Pecco in a fast sector, forcing Bagnaia to sit up and abandon a flying lap.
- Tension in the garage: mechanics and engineers noticed the tension immediately, as neither rider was willing to acknowledge the other. Ducati staff were reportedly divided, with some supporting Pecco and others backing Marquez.
By the end of the day, Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi was visibly frustrated, warning both riders to focus on testing rather than personal battles.
“Illegal Rivalry”? What Could Rossi Be Suggesting?
Rossi’s statement about a “dramatic illegal rivalry” suggests that things could spiral out of control in ways Ducati and MotoGP officials might not be able to handle.
What Could Be Considered “Illegal”?
- Ignoring team orders: If Ducati tries to establish a clear number-one rider and the other refuses to comply, it could cause chaos in race strategy.
- Dangerous racing tactics: If either Pecco or Marquez start using aggressive maneuvers that border on unsportsmanlike conduct, they could face FIA penalties.
- Technical rule bending: Could Ducati engineers be manipulating setups differently for each rider, causing controversy within the team?
Some insiders believe Ducati might already be favoring Bagnaia with better setup options, knowing Marquez has a reputation for adapting to any bike. If Marquez senses unfair treatment, the situation could explode.
Can Ducati Survive the Internal War?
Ducati is now facing the nightmare scenario they feared all along—two elite riders who do not trust each other and refuse to cooperate. Rossi’s statement confirms that Ducati is already struggling to manage the Pecco vs. Marquez rivalry.
Possible Outcomes for Ducati
- Scenario 1: Total Dominance: If Ducati keeps both riders under control, their combined talent could destroy the competition and dominate MotoGP.
- Scenario 2: Team Meltdown: If Pecco and Marquez start taking points from each other, it could allow another rider (like Jorge Martin or Fabio Quartararo) to sneak into championship contention.
- Scenario 3: One Rider Leaves If the rivalry becomes too toxic, could Ducati be forced to drop one of them after 2025?
Right now, Ducati’s biggest enemy isn’t another manufacturer—it’s themselves.
How Did Marquez and Pecco React to Rossi’s Claims?
Rossi’s words have put Pecco and Marquez in a difficult position, as neither wants to admit that they see each other as threats.
Pecco Bagnaia’s Response
When asked about Rossi’s comments, Bagnaia downplayed the concerns:
“Marc is fast, we both want to win, but we know the team’s priority is for Ducati to stay at the top. There’s no problem.”
However, sources inside Ducati say that Pecco is privately unhappy with Marquez’s aggression on track.
Marc Marquez’s Response
Marquez, as expected, laughed off Rossi’s concerns:
“I’ve always raced my way. If people are worried, that’s not my problem. I’m here to win, just like always.”
This response only increases the suspicion that Marquez is fully committed to taking on Pecco directly, regardless of Ducati’s wishes.
Rossi’s revelation has added even more fuel to the growing Pecco vs. Marquez fire. If Ducati cannot control the tension, this could be one of the most explosive seasons in MotoGP history.
Key Things to Watch for in 2025
- First real on-track battle: The first time Pecco and Marquez go wheel-to-wheel in a race will be a must-watch television.
- Team orders and strategy decisions: Will Ducati force one rider to play second fiddle, or will they let them fight freely?
- Championship implications: If Pecco and Marquez take points off each other, it could open the door for rivals like Jorge Martin, Fabio Quartararo, or even Enea Bastianini to mount a surprise title challenge.
One thing is clear: Ducati is walking a dangerous line. If they can control their two superstars, they could dominate like never before. But if Pecco and Marquez refuse to cooperate, their greatest strength could become their downfall.
And as always, Valentino Rossi’s words may have foreshadowed exactly what’s coming.
