Valentino Rossi Makes First 2025 Prediction Involving Marc Marquez

Valentino Rossi has shared his first prediction for the 2025 MotoGP season, with a particular focus on his former protégé, Pecco Bagnaia, and the arrival of Marc Marquez at the Ducati factory team.

Marquez, an eight-time world champion, will join Ducati’s official garage alongside Bagnaia, who comes off a heartbreaking title loss to Jorge Martin in 2024. Despite bagging 11 Grand Prix victories—compared to Martin’s three—Bagnaia dashed his hopes with a series of non-scores, leaving him 10 points shy of the championship after the final round.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Rossi believes that both Bagnaia and Marquez will be strong contenders for the title. At the recent 100Km of Champions event in Tavullia, Rossi discussed the upcoming season and his expectations for both Ducati riders.

“The Ducati factory team riders are the main candidates for the title,” Rossi told Sky Sports Italy. “Bagnaia feels very motivated and wants to make up for last year’s defeat. We hope he can give that extra 5%.”

Despite Marquez’s arrival at Ducati, Rossi’s confidence in Bagnaia remains high. He praised his protégé’s determination and drive, expressing optimism that Bagnaia will be more focused than ever in his pursuit of the title.

Rossi, who will return to car racing in 2025 as a factory BMW driver, also reflected on his own racing plans. While he competed in the World Endurance Championship and the GT World Challenge Europe in 2024 with the BMW-backed WRT squad, Rossi plans to scale back his racing commitments in 2025. He hopes to increase his presence at MotoGP events and continue supporting his riders.

At the 100Km of Champions event, Rossi and his teammate Luca Marini finished second, behind Diogo Moreira and Thomas Chareyre. Bagnaia, partnered with Marco Bezzecchi, came in sixth place, while the team of Pedro Acosta and Michael Dunlop finished last.

Rossi’s insights about Bagnaia and Marquez provide a glimpse into the competitive dynamics at Ducati for 2025, with the two riders set to challenge each other for the championship while representing the factory squad.