Francesco Bagnaia’s Fans Blame Ducati: Favoritism Towards Marc Marquez Dulling Pecco’s Form Since 2025?

Francesco Bagnaia’s Fans Blame Ducati: Favoritism Towards Marc Marquez Dulling Pecco’s Form Since 2025?

The Controversy Surrounding Ducati’s Alleged Favoritism

The MotoGP paddock has been buzzing with speculation, as Francesco Bagnaia’s fans accuse Ducati of prioritizing Marc Marquez since the beginning of the 2025 season. With tensions rising between Pecco Bagnaia and his team, many are questioning whether Ducati’s alleged favoritism toward the eight-time world champion is negatively impacting Bagnaia’s performance on the track.

Since joining Ducati Lenovo Team, Marquez has been a dominant force, quickly adapting to the Desmosedici GP. Meanwhile, Bagnaia, who secured back-to-back MotoGP championships in 2022 and 2023, has struggled to maintain the same level of consistency. This has led to speculation that Ducati’s internal politics may be playing a role in shaping the team’s future.

Is Ducati Shifting Its Focus to Marquez?

Since Marc Marquez’s high-profile move to Ducati, insiders and fans alike have been debating whether the Italian manufacturer has shifted its primary focus away from Bagnaia. Historically, factory teams prioritize their top rider, but in Ducati’s case, it remains unclear whether they still consider Bagnaia their number one.

• Preferential treatment in bike development – Some reports suggest that Ducati’s engineers are tailoring updates to match Marquez’s aggressive riding style rather than Bagnaia’s more fluid approach.

• Testing and upgrades allocation – Speculations indicate that Marquez is receiving early access to crucial technical upgrades, leaving Bagnaia to adapt to second-hand developments.

• Strategic race support – There have been rumors of Ducati’s race strategies benefiting Marquez, particularly in high-stakes scenarios where team orders may be in play.

These factors have led many to believe that Ducati’s actions may be inadvertently hindering Bagnaia’s performance, causing frustration among his fanbase.

Francesco Bagnaia’s Struggles Since 2025

Despite his undeniable talent, Bagnaia’s performances have lacked the dominance he showcased in 2022 and 2023. Several key indicators highlight his struggles:

• Inconsistent results – While Bagnaia remains a podium contender, he has failed to assert himself as the clear title favorite.

• Increased crashes and errors – The pressure of competing alongside Marquez has seemingly led to more mistakes, possibly due to pushing beyond his comfort zone.

• Mental toll of team dynamics – Being overshadowed by a high-profile teammate can have psychological effects, which may be reflecting in Bagnaia’s on-track performance.

Ducati’s Defense: Equal Treatment for Both Riders?

Amid the growing controversy, Ducati has maintained that both Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez receive equal support. Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati’s general manager, has dismissed claims of favoritism, insisting that the team is committed to giving both riders the best possible machinery to fight for the championship.

However, many Bagnaia supporters argue that even subtle shifts in attention, development, or team strategy can significantly impact a rider’s performance. In a sport as competitive as MotoGP, minor advantages can make the difference between winning and losing.

The Internal Rivalry: Bagnaia vs. Marquez

The rivalry between Bagnaia and Marquez has intensified since the Spaniard’s arrival at Ducati. While healthy competition within a team can push both riders to perform better, it can also create tension if one rider feels disadvantaged.

• Marquez’s aggressive style vs. Bagnaia’s precision – Marquez is known for his aggressive and risk-taking approach, while Bagnaia relies on precise cornering and smooth riding. If Ducati’s bike development leans towards Marquez’s style, it could be detrimental to Bagnaia.

• Media and fan perception – The MotoGP media has fueled speculation that Ducati sees Marquez as the best bet for securing the title. This narrative can affect the team dynamics and create psychological pressure on Bagnaia.

• Technical adaptation challenges – If Ducati prioritizes Marquez’s feedback on technical aspects, Bagnaia may struggle to keep up with his competitor’s rapid adjustments.

The Future of Bagnaia at Ducati: Will Pecco Stay Loyal?

As tensions rise, many are wondering whether Bagnaia will remain with Ducati beyond his current contract. If the two-time world champion feels sidelined in favor of Marquez, he may consider seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Possible scenarios for Bagnaia’s future include:

• A renewed commitment with Ducati – If Ducati reassures Bagnaia of his status as a leading rider, he may choose to stay and fight for his place within the team.

• A shock move to a rival manufacturer – Other MotoGP teams, such as Aprilia or KTM, could offer him a leadership role, allowing him to rebuild his career away from Marquez’s shadow.

• A potential shift within Ducati’s structure – If Ducati finds a way to balance its rider hierarchy effectively, they may retain both Marquez and Bagnaia without internal conflicts.

Can Bagnaia Reclaim His Dominance?

Despite the challenges, Francesco Bagnaia is still one of the most talented riders on the grid. His ability to bounce back will depend on multiple factors, including his mindset, Ducati’s support, and how well he adapts to the ongoing rivalry with Marquez.

The 2025 MotoGP season is far from over, and if Bagnaia can find his rhythm, he may still emerge as a title contender. However, Ducati’s internal dynamics will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of his season.

Fan Reactions: Growing Discontent in the Ducati Camp

The controversy surrounding Bagnaia and Marquez has divided fans, with many MotoGP enthusiasts voicing concerns over Ducati’s handling of their riders. Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of criticism, with hashtags like #JusticeForPecco and #DucatiBias gaining traction among frustrated fans.

• Bagnaia loyalists believe Ducati is neglecting their champion in favor of a bigger name.

• Marquez supporters argue that his results justify any preferential treatment he receives.

• Neutral MotoGP fans speculate that Ducati’s internal politics could backfire, leading to conflicts within the team.

Ducati’s Official Response: Damage Control or Reality?

Ducati has issued multiple statements denying any bias toward Marc Marquez, reiterating that both riders receive equal technical and strategic support. However, in high-performance motorsports, even the perception of favoritism can cause rifts within a team.

Ducati’s long-term success depends on their ability to manage both Bagnaia and Marquez effectively, ensuring that internal conflicts do not compromise their bid for dominance in MotoGP.

Final Thoughts: Is Ducati’s Favoritism Real or Just Speculation?

While it is natural for fans to rally behind their favorite rider, the claims of Ducati’s favoritism towards Marc Marquez remain speculative. Until clear evidence emerges, it is difficult to say whether Bagnaia’s struggles are solely due to internal politics or a combination of factors, including competition, pressure, and adaptation to evolving race conditions.

What is certain, however, is that Francesco Bagnaia is facing one of the toughest battles of his career. Whether he can overcome this challenge and reassert himself as Ducati’s top rider remains one of the biggest storylines of the 2025 MotoGP season.