Pecco Bagnaia Criticized Harshly by Gigi Dall’Igna After Jerez: Too High Expectations or a Real Step Back for the MotoGP Champion?

The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez was a race full of surprises, drama, and defining moments in the MotoGP championship. While Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia clinched a respectable podium finish, Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna has openly admitted that Bagnaia fell short of expectations, emphasizing that Ducati must “improve” to better support its reigning world champion. In contrast, Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing stole the show with a sensational victory, putting Ducati’s factory rider under increasing scrutiny.

As the MotoGP season intensifies, the pressure is mounting on both Bagnaia and Ducati to stay ahead of increasingly competitive satellite teams. Despite solid results, cracks are beginning to show in Ducati’s factory operation, especially when it comes to race-day execution and consistency.

Ducati GP25 vs Yamaha: The Equipment Disparity

One of the most startling observations at Jerez was Pecco Bagnaia finishing behind Fabio Quartararo—despite the clear technical superiority of the Ducati GP25 over the aging Yamaha M1. Quartararo’s performance was certainly commendable, but it raised significant questions: Why couldn’t Bagnaia maximize the potential of his machine? What is holding the reigning champion back from exploiting Ducati’s technological edge?

The GP25 is widely regarded as the most dominant bike on the grid, featuring cutting-edge aerodynamics, acceleration, and braking capabilities. However, MotoGP is not just about hardware. As Dall’Igna hinted, race strategy, rider setup, and tire management are equally critical components.

While Bagnaia had the tools to dominate, his race pace lacked the precision and aggression that have defined his past victories. Jerez exposed a disconnect between what the machine could deliver and what the rider could extract from it, especially on race day. This discrepancy is now a top concern for Ducati management moving forward.

Pecco Bagnaia’s Struggles on Race Day

Pecco Bagnaia’s third-place finish might look good on paper, but the expectations from the Ducati camp were much higher. Dall’Igna made it clear that Pecco’s inability to meet performance goals on Sunday, not Saturday, was the bigger issue. This comment points to a broader concern regarding race-day performance versus qualifying and sprint consistency.

Bagnaia had a brilliant start to the Spanish GP, showcasing his signature late-braking moves and racecraft. However, as the laps wore on, he lacked the cutting-edge pace needed to challenge Alex Marquez or even sustain a lead over Fabio Quartararo. His lap times dipped, and the gap to the front widened—something that should not happen given the current state of Ducati machinery.

Dall’Igna praised Bagnaia’s grit and resilience, particularly during the opening laps, but his tone made it clear: podiums are no longer enough. For a rider of Bagnaia’s caliber, and a factory team like Ducati, only wins and title dominance will suffice.

Alex Marquez Surpasses Expectations

While Pecco Bagnaia underperformed, Alex Marquez delivered a masterclass that made headlines across the MotoGP world. Riding a year-old Ducati for Gresini Racing, Marquez outpaced both factory riders, including his brother Marc Marquez, who also posed a strong challenge before fading late in the race.

What made Alex’s performance even more remarkable was the composure and confidence with which he controlled the race. His tire management, corner exit speeds, and consistency were unmatched. With this victory, Alex Marquez not only climbed to the top of the MotoGP standings but also made a strong case that satellite riders are now legitimate title contenders.

This seismic shift in competitive balance adds pressure on the factory Ducati team. It’s no longer just Yamaha, Aprilia, or KTM they must worry about—but also their own satellite teams who are proving equally capable of winning races.

Gigi Dall’Igna’s Critical Assessment

In the post-race debrief, Dall’Igna didn’t hold back. Speaking to Italian media, the Ducati boss said:
“Pecco did not meet expectations, mostly because he always pushes us to perform better on Sunday rather than Saturday. He showed grit in the first lap, but lacked the pace we expected from him. Still, from a championship point of view, it’s a valuable third place.”

This quote is both a critique and a reminder. Dall’Igna recognizes Bagnaia’s determination and mental toughness, but also draws attention to the need for improvements on Ducati’s end, particularly when it comes to race setup and strategy. He acknowledged the importance of consistency, especially with how tight the championship race is becoming.

Dall’Igna’s honesty may sting, but it also reflects Ducati’s championship mindset. The goal isn’t just podiums—it’s domination. And Bagnaia, as the face of the team, is expected to lead by example.

What Ducati Must Improve

So, what exactly needs to change within Ducati? Based on Dall’Igna’s comments and Jerez performance analysis, here are the key areas for improvement:

• Race-day setup: Bagnaia seems to struggle with mid-race pace drop-offs. Ducati’s technical team must refine electronics and suspension setups to support better tire longevity and throttle response.

• Adaptability under pressure: With satellite Ducati riders outperforming factory machines, the team must ensure Bagnaia feels confident and aggressive in wheel-to-wheel scenarios.

• Communication and feedback loops: Pecco is known for giving detailed feedback. Ducati must prioritize rapid response to his setup suggestions during practice sessions to optimize race performance.

• Strategic tire choices: Race tire selection and pressure management remain a mystery at times. Ducati must become more proactive in reading track evolution and planning for varying grip levels.

Bagnaia Still in the Title Hunt

Despite the disappointing finish at Jerez by his own standards, Bagnaia is still very much in the championship mix. He remains within striking distance of the top spot in the MotoGP standings, especially considering how fluid the 2025 season has been with multiple race winners and shifting momentum.

His experience, raw talent, and deep connection with the Ducati engineering team are assets that few rivals possess. However, if Ducati cannot close the performance gap seen during Sunday races, Bagnaia risks being outshined by hungrier, less burdened competitors like Jorge Martin, Alex Marquez, and even his own teammate Marc Marquez.

Consistency and mental fortitude will be key moving forward. Bagnaia must rebound quickly and assert dominance in upcoming rounds like Le Mans and Mugello, where he’s historically performed well.

What This Means for the Rest of the Season

The 2025 MotoGP season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years. With multiple Ducati riders capable of winning, Aprilia showing promise, and Yamaha slowly improving, the title race is wide open. Ducati must make strategic decisions—not only about performance but also internal priorities. Will they back Bagnaia completely as their No. 1, or adopt a more open competition policy within their rider ranks?

If Bagnaia returns to peak form, Ducati’s investment in his leadership and technical input could pay off handsomely. However, if the inconsistency continues, expect pressure to mount internally and externally.

Conclusion: Jerez as a Turning Point

The 2025 Spanish GP at Jerez may be remembered as a pivotal moment in Ducati’s campaign—not because of failure, but because of awakening. Gigi Dall’Igna’s candid critique signals that Ducati is not resting on podiums. The bar has been raised, and Bagnaia must meet it head-on if he hopes to defend his world title.

Improvement is no longer optional—it’s essential. With rising stars and relentless competition, Ducati’s margin for error is razor-thin. If Bagnaia can convert this critique into motivation, and Ducati delivers on Dall’Igna’s promise to evolve, the Italian duo could still be celebrating in Valencia this November.

But if not, the satellite revolution may just steal the crown.