“FAVORING Marquez OVER ME” Francesco Bagnaia angrily claims that Ducati is neglecting him, and this is why his peak performance has worsened since 2025.

In a bombshell statement that’s sent shockwaves through the MotoGP world, reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia has accused Ducati of shifting its focus and support toward Marc Márquez, claiming that this favoritism is the reason for his recent dip in form. Speaking to reporters after another lackluster weekend, Bagnaia declared: “Ducati is favoring Márquez over me, and that’s why my peak performance has dropped since the start of 2025.”

These remarks mark a new chapter in what could be a brewing internal conflict at Ducati. With tensions rising, the team’s future development, rider hierarchy, and even title hopes may hang in the balance.

Bagnaia’s Performance Slide in 2025

The 2025 season started with high expectations for Francesco Bagnaia, who came off back-to-back championship-winning campaigns in 2022 and 2023. However, his form in recent races has been inconsistent, and he’s slipped down the standings, while Marc Márquez—riding for Gresini Ducati—has surged.

Bagnaia has not secured a victory since the season opener and has been struggling with setup issues, lack of rear grip, and persistent chatter problems on high-speed circuits. These problems have led to disappointing qualifying results and subpar race finishes, a far cry from the dominance fans have come to expect.

Accusations of Favoritism

Speaking after the Jerez test, where Bagnaia finished 17th and did not participate in Ducati’s new chassis trial, he raised serious questions about the team’s internal support system.

“They say we’re on equal terms, but all the attention and technical resources are going to Márquez now. He gets the updates first, he’s the one Ducati listens to. I feel like I’m being left behind.”

These words from Bagnaia have ignited speculation about a shift in Ducati’s internal structure. For years, Bagnaia has been the central figure in Ducati’s development program. But with Márquez adapting quickly and providing strong feedback, the manufacturer might be pivoting toward the eight-time world champion.

Márquez’s Rise on the Ducati

Marc Márquez joined Gresini Ducati at the start of 2025 and has exceeded expectations. After years of struggling with injuries and inconsistent machinery at Honda, Márquez appears revitalized on the Desmosedici GP25. He has already achieved multiple podiums, set some of the fastest laps of the season, and is emerging as a serious title contender.

His ability to adapt to Ducati’s unique riding style and provide detailed technical feedback has reportedly impressed the engineers. Some insiders suggest that Ducati now views Márquez as their best bet for the 2025 MotoGP championship—a shift that could explain Bagnaia’s frustration.

Ducati’s Official Response

So far, Ducati Corse has publicly denied any favoritism. Sporting Director Davide Tardozzi responded to the allegations:

“Both Bagnaia and Márquez are receiving full support from Ducati. There is no priority rider. Our development decisions are based on data, not politics.”

Despite these assurances, the optics tell a different story. Bagnaia’s exclusion from the Jerez chassis test, contrasted with Márquez’s enthusiastic involvement, raises valid questions about where Ducati is focusing its technical efforts.

A Rift Behind Closed Doors?

Sources within the paddock have whispered about growing tension in the Ducati garage. Bagnaia, once the undisputed leader of the team, may now be feeling overshadowed by Márquez’s aggressive return to form.

The concern is not just about performance—but about influence. If Márquez’s feedback is prioritized in bike development, Bagnaia may find himself riding a machine no longer tailored to his strengths.

The friction isn’t overt yet, but the ingredients for an internal rivalry are all there: a fading champion, a resurgent superstar, and a factory team trying to navigate between them.

What This Means for Bagnaia’s Title Hopes

Francesco Bagnaia remains a world-class rider. His raw pace, racecraft, and mental toughness have already earned him two titles. However, MotoGP is a sport of razor-thin margins, and even a slight shift in technical support can tip the balance.

If Bagnaia continues to feel marginalized, his performance may deteriorate further—not necessarily because of talent, but due to a lack of trust and synergy with his team.

In a sport where rider feedback directly shapes the bike’s evolution, being sidelined can have devastating consequences for championship hopes.

Bagnaia’s Demands for Equal Treatment

In private meetings with Ducati management, Bagnaia has reportedly demanded:

• Equal access to development parts, including the new chassis

• More transparency in technical decisions

• Reaffirmation of his role as a factory team leader

Failing that, some have speculated he could consider options outside of Ducati for 2026, although that remains a long shot for now.

Márquez Responds

For his part, Marc Márquez has responded calmly to the brewing storm:

“I’m just doing my job. I give feedback, I ride the bike, and I try to win. If that helps Ducati, then good for all of us.”

Márquez’s diplomatic approach contrasts with Bagnaia’s emotional statements, but it’s clear the former Honda star is enjoying his resurgence—and may not mind if he becomes the new golden boy at Ducati.

Media and Fan Reactions

The media has jumped on Bagnaia’s comments, with Italian outlets describing it as a potential “civil war” within Ducati. Social media is ablaze with debate, as fans split into two camps—those defending Bagnaia’s right to feel betrayed and those praising Márquez for shaking things up.

Many longtime Ducati fans worry that internal strife could derail the team’s title challenge, just as rivals like KTM and Aprilia are beginning to close the gap.

Could This Lead to a Ducati Split?

While it’s too early to talk about contract terminations or departures, the tension is unmistakable. If Ducati doesn’t address Bagnaia’s concerns, or if Márquez continues to dominate headlines and podiums, a realignment of priorities may become inevitable.

Bagnaia’s current contract runs through 2026, but MotoGP history is filled with riders who left top teams due to internal politics rather than performance.

Ducati’s Crossroads

For Ducati, the challenge is clear: maintain unity while managing two alpha riders. Favoring one too openly risks alienating the other. But ignoring performance trends could cost them the title.

Balancing Bagnaia’s leadership with Márquez’s momentum will define the second half of Ducati’s 2025 campaign.

Conclusion

Francesco Bagnaia’s explosive claim that Ducati is “favoring Márquez over me” has shattered the illusion of harmony within the most dominant factory team in MotoGP. While Marc Márquez thrives, Bagnaia is demanding respect, support, and equal footing.

Whether Ducati can navigate this internal storm without compromising its title ambitions remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: with both riders capable of winning races and championships, the drama at Ducati is only just beginning.

As the MotoGP circus heads to Le Mans, all eyes will be on Bagnaia—not just to perform, but to prove that he’s still Ducati’s number one rider.

Keywords: Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Márquez, Ducati favoritism, MotoGP 2025, Ducati internal conflict, MotoGP drama, Bagnaia vs Márquez, Ducati rider hierarchy