Ducati Warns Bagnaia is Losing Confidence as Marquez Becomes Dangerous After the Race In the Netherlands 2025

The 2025 Dutch MotoGP at Assen marked yet another chapter in Ducati’s evolving internal rivalry—one that’s shifting in momentum and tone. With Marc Marquez taking victory in commanding fashion and Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia finishing third, the headlines were written long before the riders stepped off their bikes.

But the real story comes from the words of Ducati team director Davide Tardozzi, who delivered pointed remarks after the race, painting Marquez as a growing threat and Bagnaia as a champion struggling with self-belief. As the MotoGP paddock digests these comments, it’s clear that the dynamics inside Ducati have dramatically changed.

Let’s unpack what happened at Assen and how Ducati’s top brass views its two superstar riders.

Marc Marquez Dominates Assen: “More Dangerous Than Ever”

Marc Marquez is not only back—he’s better, sharper, and more complete than we’ve seen in years. The eight-time world champion has clicked with the Ducati Desmosedici GP25 in a way that’s turning the entire MotoGP grid on its head.

At Assen, Marquez claimed his second victory of the season, executing a brilliant ride that blended patience, tire management, and clinical overtaking.

But beyond the lap times and the champagne, what stood out was Tardozzi’s glowing assessment:

“Marc has found a special confidence on the bike and can be expected to fight for the victory at every circuit. He is in very good shape, both physically and mentally… his maturity is clearly visible in his race management.”

Tardozzi didn’t stop there. He emphasized Marquez’s extraordinary professionalism and ability to adapt:

“What stands out from him is his professionalism. The way he works with the technicians is extraordinary. This capacity to analyze and adapt makes him even more dangerous for his rivals.”

This version of Marquez is less reckless but more lethal. Gone is the overly aggressive, high-risk style of 2019. In its place is a wiser, technically sharper veteran who knows how to win without overreaching.

Francesco Bagnaia’s Confidence Crisis: “We Don’t Give Him the Bike He Needs”

In contrast, Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning two-time MotoGP world champion, is having a season that raises questions rather than answers.

Despite showing speed in flashes and collecting podiums—including his third-place finish at Assen—Bagnaia hasn’t quite been himself. He’s inconsistent, hesitant, and visibly frustrated with the package under him.

Tardozzi addressed the situation bluntly:

“Pecco lacked the necessary consistency at a certain point in the race. Maybe there was something that prevented him from performing at his best.”

But rather than blaming Bagnaia, Ducati’s team boss shifted some of the burden to the bike:

“The problem is that we don’t give him a bike that feels right, especially under braking and when entering the corners. We are working on it. When we find it, he will compete directly with Marc.”

According to Tardozzi, Pecco’s issue isn’t speed—it’s confidence:

“We know who Pecco is… he’s certainly not lacking speed. But he’s lacking a little bit of confidence that allowed him to go as easily as he did last year. And that’s something we want to get back.”

Ducati’s Power Shift: Marquez Is Now the Benchmark

There’s an unspoken truth beginning to surface at Ducati: Marc Marquez has become the team’s benchmark. For years, Bagnaia carried that title, building Ducati into a dominant force with two consecutive championships. But with Marquez now in full stride, the team’s center of gravity appears to be shifting.

Tardozzi acknowledged that the internal battle is tightening:

“We’re going through a complicated situation, with Marc increasingly integrated and Pecco still searching for the perfect balance.”

What’s more, Tardozzi hinted that the 2025 title fight may ultimately boil down to Marquez vs Bagnaia—a tantalizing intra-team rivalry in the making.

Marc Marquez’s Dangerous New Era

What’s making Marquez “more dangerous” in 2025 is a combination of things:

• Technical synergy with Ducati: He has gelled with the Desmosedici better than even some factory veterans.

• Race IQ: He’s managing tire life, choosing his battles, and riding with the patience of a strategist.

• Physical recovery: After years of injuries, his body is now cooperating with his championship ambitions.

• Mental clarity: The burden of redemption has been replaced with a quiet, focused determination.

For his rivals, including his own teammate, that’s a terrifying mix.

The Psychological Struggle of Bagnaia

Pecco Bagnaia is not fading into irrelevance. Far from it. But his mental edge—the kind that made him untouchable during his 2022-2023 title run—seems blunted.

Tardozzi suggested Bagnaia may be pushing too hard:

“Sometimes he pushes himself so hard that he doesn’t let himself lose even half a second.”

That perfectionism, once his superpower, is now becoming a burden—especially when the bike isn’t 100%.

MotoGP is a sport of tenths, and doubt can cost you more than a crash. Bagnaia is still a top-tier rider, but in the current mental and technical state, he looks like he’s fighting himself as much as he’s fighting his rivals.

What’s Next for Ducati’s Star Duo?

The second half of the 2025 MotoGP season is shaping up to be an explosive showdown between Marquez and Bagnaia.

• If Ducati can deliver the bike Pecco needs, the reigning champ could easily bounce back into contention.

• If Marquez continues on his upward trajectory, we may be looking at a third title for him in a different shade of red.

But what’s fascinating is that Ducati now has two alpha riders—and only one championship to give.

What It Means for the Title Race

Ducati’s dominance remains unshaken, but internal harmony is under stress. With Aprilia and KTM closing in, they cannot afford to have two of the world’s best riders cannibalizing each other’s results.

Tardozzi’s comments hint at a coming storm. One where technical development, mental resilience, and raw speed will all collide.

• If Bagnaia regains his confidence, the title fight becomes a civil war.

• If Marquez continues unchecked, he may run away with the championship.

Either way, the 2025 MotoGP title fight is Ducati’s to lose—and likely theirs to keep. The question is: which red bike will cross the finish line first in Valencia?

Conclusion: Ducati’s Dilemma Is a Blessing in Disguise

Having two generational talents on the same team is both a luxury and a problem. Ducati is witnessing firsthand the difficulty of managing egos, expectations, and elite performances under one roof.

Marc Marquez is the in-form rider, firing on all cylinders, and adapting to the Desmosedici like he’s been riding it for years. His maturity and professionalism, as highlighted by Tardozzi, are creating a new peak version of himself.

Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia, the defending champ, is in a bit of a storm—wrestling with confidence issues and a bike setup that doesn’t feel quite right. But he remains dangerous and has shown the ability to bounce back in the past.

The message is clear: Ducati is gearing up for a civil war of champions. And the fans are the biggest winners.