Marc Marquez believes it’s “logical” for Francesco Bagnaia to have the leading voice within Ducati’s MotoGP team, but he remains confident the manufacturer will treat all its riders equally as he prepares for the 2025 season.
Joining Ducati marks a significant change for Marquez, who spent over a decade leading Honda’s MotoGP program, where engineers tailored the RC213V to suit his riding style. At Ducati, Marquez steps into a team led by two-time world champion Bagnaia, the factory’s most successful rider in history.
Speaking at Ducati’s 2025 bike launch in Italy, Marquez acknowledged Bagnaia’s established role but expressed optimism about the team’s collaborative ethos.
“I know where I’m arriving and which garage I’m stepping into,” Marquez said. “It’s the reference garage, where there’s an established rider who has contributed greatly to Ducati. It’s logical that he has the first say.
“But Ducati has conveyed to me that all riders are valued equally. Their goal, and ours as riders, is simple: if one doesn’t win, the other should.”
The pairing of two world champions in a single team has raised questions about potential intra-team rivalry. Bagnaia, who is chasing his third title in four seasons after losing to Pramac’s Jorge Martin in 2024, and Marquez, aiming to reclaim his dominance, both have much to prove.
Despite the potential for tension, Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi dismissed concerns, stating that managing the duo would be “very easy.” Marquez echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Ducati’s structure doesn’t prioritize a number one rider over a number two.
“In a factory team, it’s not about being number one or two—it’s about experience,” Marquez explained. “Pecco has more experience at Ducati, but the team’s focus is winning. If Pecco can’t win, I will try to. If I can’t, he will.
“What’s clear is that I need to understand their working philosophy and what has made them so dominant in recent years. I’ll learn from that and adapt.”
Marquez’s move to Ducati follows a challenging 2024 season with Gresini, where he gained valuable insights into the manufacturer’s systems. Now, he is eager to capitalize on Ducati’s winning formula as he partners with Bagnaia in a team that has redefined success in MotoGP.
As the 2025 season approaches, the dynamic between Marquez and Bagnaia will be a storyline to watch, with Ducati aiming to channel their talents into continued dominance on the MotoGP grid.
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