Bagnaia fears his future alliance with Marquez

When Marc Marquez left Honda in October 2023 to join Gresini Racing, we were far from imagining that the Spaniard would find refuge in the Ducati factory team just a few months later.

However, this is what happened when the latter proved that he was capable of fighting with the best. And this, equipped with the old version of the Desmosedici GP.

It is also no secret that this signing has nothing to please Francesco Bagnaia. Double reigning champion, the Italian cares little for Enea Bastianini. Faced with Marc Marquez, however, it seems that the task will become more complicated. And the recent clashes between the two men do not help to get off to a good start.

The number 1 nevertheless explains that he respects Ducati's strategy of no longer favoring young riders, but the most experienced.

“I think they decided to change their mentality, confides Pecco Bagnaia on MotoGP.com. Before they were looking for young talents to give them the opportunity to join the factory team. To fight with the best equipment.

Now they have taken Marc. He is the championship driver with the most titles, notes the Transalpine. It's sure that it will be super efficient. He's already fast now. He will have the best equipment, a bit like now, but in red. It is certain that he will have more motivation to be at the top. »

Collaboration will be essential at Ducati

Asked to give his opinion on this signing, he nevertheless admits to not knowing what to expect with his future teammate.

“I think our relationship could either be super good or disastrous!” We'll have to see next year, when it starts, he adds again. It could be a disaster if we start arguing or hiding certain things in discussions. But I think we are both very intelligent and he will adapt perfectly. »

A sort of warning addressed indirectly to Marc Marquez, who certainly hides the fear of being beaten. Hiding data between teammates would still be handicapping when we know that Ducati's workforce will be weakened. Where Borgo Panigale currently has eight machines, it will only have six in 2025. Especially since the number of four official machines that it currently fields will be reduced to three.

©Michelin

“Every time, on every circuit, I look at the data of all the drivers, still admits the current leader of the Bologna fold. For example, in Jerez I looked at Marc's data at turns 7 and 8. He was doing a very good job so I followed what he was doing and improved.

I often look at Martín's data, Enea's data regularly, Bezzecchi too. When there are eight drivers, it's the quickest way to progress and that's good. Losing three drivers like them is a big loss. We give three super fast drivers to the other brands. We will have three more competitors and we will no longer be able to analyze their data” concludes Pecco Bagnaia.