Pecco Bagnaia is determined to win his third consecutive title, but can he surpass Marc Marquez with superior machinery?

The 2025 MotoGP season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent history, with fierce rivalries reignited and new storylines unfolding at every Grand Prix. At the center of it all stands Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning two-time world champion, who is laser-focused on securing his third consecutive MotoGP crown. Riding for the factory Ducati Lenovo Team, Bagnaia is not only defending his dominance but also attempting to carve out a legacy that could one day match, or even exceed, the stature of Marc Marquez—a name synonymous with modern MotoGP greatness.

But the question remains: even with arguably the most advanced bike on the grid, can Pecco Bagnaia truly surpass Marc Marquez in skill, impact, and championship success? It’s a debate that blends machinery with raw talent, history with ambition, and consistency with risk.

Pecco Bagnaia’s dominance with Ducati: A new era begins

Over the past two seasons, Pecco Bagnaia has firmly established himself as the rider to beat. After capturing his first MotoGP title in 2022, he followed it up with another stellar performance in 2023, showcasing both speed and tactical maturity. His success with Ducati’s Desmosedici GP machine has been no coincidence. The Italian manufacturer has produced one of the most powerful, balanced, and technologically advanced bikes on the MotoGP grid, and Bagnaia has proven to be its perfect pilot.

In 2024, despite facing fierce competition from rivals like Jorge Martin, Brad Binder, and the resurgent Marc Marquez, Bagnaia managed to stay calm under pressure. He demonstrated an uncanny ability to manage tires, execute race strategies, and extract performance from his bike in critical moments. That combination of skill and machinery has placed him in elite company and made him the early favorite for the 2025 season.

However, comparisons with Marc Marquez—eight-time world champion and six-time MotoGP titleholder—are inevitable. While Bagnaia’s recent success is undeniable, the weight of Marquez’s legacy looms large over the paddock. To surpass Marquez in the eyes of fans, analysts, and the sport’s history books, Bagnaia needs more than just a streak—he needs sustained dominance over multiple eras.

Marc Marquez: The benchmark of modern greatness

When it comes to sheer talent, Marc Marquez is still considered by many to be the most naturally gifted rider of his generation. His six MotoGP world titles from 2013 to 2019, all earned with Repsol Honda, were a masterclass in aggression, control, and adaptability. His iconic saves, daring overtakes, and unrelenting spirit turned him into a MotoGP legend long before he reached 30.

But the past few seasons have been difficult for Marquez. A devastating arm injury in 2020 sidelined him for most of the season and altered the trajectory of his career. Despite numerous surgeries and comebacks, Marquez struggled with consistency and was often hampered by Honda’s lack of competitiveness. Still, his passion and perseverance remained intact.

The game-changing move came in 2024 when Marc Marquez joined Gresini Racing, trading Honda for a Ducati—arguably the best machinery on the grid. The move was both strategic and symbolic. It marked a fresh chapter in Marquez’s career and opened the door to once again challenge for race wins and world titles. Now armed with Ducati’s power and precision, Marquez has re-entered the title conversation, and that makes things significantly more difficult for Bagnaia.

Does superior machinery give Pecco Bagnaia the edge over Marc Marquez?

The most debated aspect of the Bagnaia-Marquez rivalry isn’t just their contrasting personalities or career trajectories—it’s the role of machinery versus rider skill. Critics of Bagnaia argue that his titles are owed more to Ducati’s engineering brilliance than his individual talent. Supporters, on the other hand, highlight his strategic evolution, calm demeanor, and technical proficiency as the main reasons for his success.

Ducati’s Desmosedici GP25, which Bagnaia currently rides, is the gold standard in MotoGP engineering. With its potent combination of horsepower, aerodynamics, and ride height device, the bike has been dominant across multiple circuits and weather conditions. Ducati’s ability to adapt to new tire compounds, sprint race formats, and track demands has made their bike a Swiss army knife of performance. And Bagnaia, more than any other Ducati rider, has figured out how to maximize its potential.

Even with Marquez now on a year-old version of Ducati’s bike at Gresini, Bagnaia still enjoys the benefits of being the factory team’s No. 1 rider. He gets the latest upgrades first, has a direct line to Ducati Corse engineers, and benefits from the data of top riders like Enea Bastianini and Jorge Martin. This factory support creates a performance edge that can be hard for satellite team riders—even someone as gifted as Marquez—to overcome.

Yet, Marquez is no stranger to adversity. He’s won championships with less than ideal machinery before, and his racecraft remains second to none. His ability to brake later than anyone else, to hold impossible lines through corners, and to pressure opponents into mistakes is legendary. If anyone can challenge a better-equipped Bagnaia, it’s him.

Consistency vs. aggression: Two champions, two philosophies

One of the most compelling aspects of the Bagnaia vs. Marquez rivalry is their differing racing philosophies. Pecco Bagnaia embodies consistency and control. He’s calculated, often content with podiums instead of risky wins, and thrives under pressure in the championship chase. His ability to finish races and avoid unnecessary risks has become the hallmark of his success.

Marc Marquez, by contrast, built his reputation on fearless aggression. He doesn’t settle for second place easily. He pushes the limits—sometimes beyond them—and rides with the heart of a warrior. This approach has led to multiple championships but also multiple injuries.

In recent seasons, however, Marquez has shown signs of evolution. He’s become more strategic, learning to play the long game instead of relying solely on brilliance and bravery. With Ducati underneath him, the “new” Marquez could combine his trademark speed with the kind of consistency that defined Bagnaia’s titles.

Who holds the mental advantage in 2025?

In elite motorsport, mental strength often separates champions from contenders. Right now, Pecco Bagnaia arguably holds the mental edge. He’s the reigning champion, riding the best bike, and has a stable team around him. Every aspect of his setup—bike, engineers, pit crew—has been tailored to support his success. He enters each weekend knowing he has what it takes to win.

Marc Marquez, however, thrives in the role of underdog. For the first time in his career, he’s not the man everyone expects to win, but the one hoping to prove doubters wrong. This underdog energy can be a powerful motivator. If Marquez finds his groove early in the season and begins to outpace factory riders with a year-old bike, the psychological pressure could shift to Bagnaia quickly.

The 2025 championship could come down to just a few key moments—risky overtakes, weather-affected races, or minor setup decisions. In those moments, experience, nerve, and instinct will matter more than horsepower.

Legacy and the battle for MotoGP supremacy

No discussion of Bagnaia vs. Marquez is complete without addressing legacy. Marc Marquez has already written a legendary chapter in MotoGP history. His six premier-class titles, combined with his fearless riding style, have made him a once-in-a-generation talent. Even if he never wins another championship, his legacy is secure.

For Pecco Bagnaia, however, the story is still being written. A third straight title in 2025 would place him in truly elite company—joining names like Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and yes, Marc Marquez. It would also confirm that his previous titles weren’t flukes or products of Ducati dominance, but the result of sustained excellence.

More importantly, a three-peat would put Bagnaia on the fast track toward legendary status. At just 28 years old, he has time on his side. If he can stay healthy, focused, and continue evolving as a rider, there’s no reason he can’t challenge Marquez’s career totals in the coming years.

But to do that, Bagnaia must do more than win—he must win convincingly, against top-tier rivals, including a motivated and well-equipped Marc Marquez.

Conclusion: Can Bagnaia truly surpass Marquez?

The 2025 MotoGP season isn’t just about race wins and championship points—it’s about legacy, rivalry, and the future of the sport. Pecco Bagnaia, riding the most advanced bike in the paddock, is in prime position to win his third consecutive title and assert himself as the new king of MotoGP. But Marc Marquez, now rejuvenated with Ducati machinery, isn’t ready to hand over the crown just yet.

Can Bagnaia surpass Marquez? With superior machinery, yes. With consistent results, likely. But in terms of lasting legacy and influence on the sport, the battle is far from over. Marquez has set the bar, and Bagnaia is now chasing history, not just titles. Only time—and perhaps a few unforgettable races—will reveal who truly stands taller in MotoGP’s pantheon of legends.