Marquez’s Support for Bagnaia
Marc Marquez has been instrumental in supporting his teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, during challenging moments in the 2025 MotoGP season, as noted by Ducati team principal Davide Tardozzi.
Bagnaia’s Tough Season
Many considered the previous year to be the most difficult for three-time world champion Bagnaia, who faced difficulties with the GP25 bike, which he felt did not align well with his riding style.
The Contrast in Performance
This slump coincided with Marquez’s entry into the factory team, where he dominated the championship, securing 11 victories and eight pole positions. This dynamic added complexity to the internal relationships within Ducati, given that Bagnaia had previously been the team’s standout rider.
Easing Tensions
As Ducati prepares to reset with Bagnaia for 2026, Tardozzi revealed that Marquez played a significant role in diffusing tensions, focusing on protecting Bagnaia during critical moments. He noted, “In times of trouble for Pecco, Marc took steps not to disturb his peace.”
Future Considerations
Bagnaia’s contract with Ducati runs until the end of 2026, but his future with the team remains uncertain, especially with the potential arrival of KTM’s rising star, Pedro Acosta. Tardozzi expressed his admiration for Acosta, considering him a future title contender.
Marquez’s Dilemma
Despite reports indicating that Ducati and Marquez are close to an agreement for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, Tardozzi downplayed the guaranteed status of Marquez’s future amid competitive interests from rivals. He rhetorically asked, “Who wouldn’t want Marc?”
Bagnaia’s Path Forward
Following Ducati’s launch, Bagnaia stated his intent to focus on race-by-race developments rather than rush his decision-making on the future. However, Ducati may not have the luxury of waiting indefinitely, revealing that Marquez’s renewal is their priority before considering Bagnaia’s future.
