Neil Hodgson is certain that rider Francesco Bagnaia will not be able to relax at the MotoGP in Spain because of the threat. Marc Marquez

Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia may be the reigning two-time MotoGP World Champion, but former British Superbike and World Superbike champion Neil Hodgson believes the Italian rider faces a serious challenge at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. With Marc Marquez showing renewed form and hunger on his new Gresini Ducati, Hodgson has voiced a bold warning: “Bagnaia won’t be able to relax in Jerez.” This prediction adds fire to an already explosive MotoGP 2025 season, where legends, rivalries, and emerging contenders collide.

As MotoGP heads into the Spanish Grand Prix at the iconic Circuito de Jerez, the paddock is buzzing with anticipation—not just for the championship stakes, but for the possibility of a homecoming resurrection from Marquez and a defining performance from Bagnaia. Here’s a deep dive into what’s at stake, why Hodgson’s comments matter, and how Bagnaia’s championship defense might face its most emotional and tactical test yet.

Francesco Bagnaia: Still the Man to Beat, But for How Long?

Since claiming his first MotoGP title in 2022, followed by a dominant 2023 campaign, Francesco Bagnaia has been at the top of the motorcycle racing world. Riding for the factory Ducati Lenovo Team, Bagnaia has combined precision, consistency, and mental fortitude to outmaneuver rivals like Fabio Quartararo and Jorge Martín. His rise through the ranks of the VR46 Academy, nurtured by none other than Valentino Rossi, has become a blueprint for Italian racing excellence.

But 2025 hasn’t been as smooth as expected. While Bagnaia remains a frontrunner in the standings, the level of competition has reached a fever pitch. Jorge Martín, now on a factory seat, is pushing harder than ever. Pedro Acosta is creating headlines as a rookie phenomenon. And now, Marc Marquez, the eight-time world champion who many thought was past his prime, is back on a competitive Ducati—an alliance that could tilt the championship axis.

Bagnaia may still be Ducati’s golden boy, but Hodgson’s comments reflect a growing sentiment in the paddock: the era of Bagnaia’s dominance may be entering choppier waters.

Marc Marquez in Jerez: The Perfect Storm Brewing

There is perhaps no rider on the grid with a stronger emotional and historical connection to the Spanish GP than Marc Marquez. The Spanish icon has had both triumph and tragedy at Jerez. It was here in 2020 that a crash ended his season and began a long road of injury, surgery, and rebuilding. But it is also a circuit where he has won multiple times and where the home fans roar louder than anywhere else on the calendar.

Now in 2025, Marquez is no longer with Honda, but on a year-old Ducati with Gresini Racing. And yet, despite not having the latest factory-spec machine, he’s already reminded the grid that he remains one of the most dangerous riders in the world. His aggressive style, unparalleled racecraft, and sheer determination have reawakened the warrior spirit that once terrorized the MotoGP field.

Neil Hodgson, speaking on BT Sport, didn’t mince words: “Bagnaia is brilliant, yes. But he won’t be able to afford a single mistake in Spain. Marquez is hunting, and he knows Jerez better than anyone. Pecco’s under pressure, and he knows it.”

Hodgson’s statement strikes a nerve, especially given the dynamics of the 2025 season. Marquez isn’t just a fast rider—he’s a psychological force. His presence puts riders off balance, forces mistakes, and demands 100% focus from competitors. At a technical circuit like Jerez, where braking points and acceleration out of tight corners are crucial, one error can be fatal to podium chances.

The Mental Game: Bagnaia’s Calm vs. Marquez’s Chaos

One of Bagnaia’s greatest strengths has been his mental control. Even when trailing in 2022 and 2023, he never showed panic. His ability to stay cool under pressure helped him claw back massive point deficits and deliver championship-clinching performances when it mattered most.

But this year, that coolness is being tested. In the sprint races, Bagnaia has looked cautious. In wet or mixed conditions, his confidence hasn’t always shone through. Meanwhile, Marquez thrives in chaos. He lives for the late-brake, elbow-to-elbow duels that define Jerez.

What makes Jerez especially volatile is the passion of the crowd. For Bagnaia, it’s a foreign land. For Marquez, it’s a kingdom. The chants, the flags, the cheers—all will be behind #93. That energy can rattle even the most composed champions. Hodgson’s point is clear: Bagnaia’s not just racing a competitor, he’s battling a legend at home, backed by tens of thousands of screaming fans.

The Ducati Dilemma: Factory vs. Satellite, Same Threat

Ironically, one of the key storylines for the Spanish GP is the battle within the Ducati family. While Bagnaia rides the factory GP25 bike, Marquez has the slightly older GP24. However, Ducati’s technical edge is so significant that even their older bikes are capable of podiums and wins.

This raises a dilemma for Ducati Corse. Bagnaia is their title hope, their marketing centerpiece, and the VR46 link that binds the brand to Italy’s future in racing. But Marquez is the wildcard who could embarrass the factory boys on a satellite bike—something Jorge Martín often did last year. Hodgson’s warning adds salt to that potential wound. If Marquez wins in Jerez, it could spark internal political tensions within Ducati and shift the media spotlight.

What’s more, a Marquez victory would send a powerful message to the rest of the grid: the beast has fully returned. It would also fuel speculation about Ducati’s rider strategy for 2026. If Marquez outperforms Enea Bastianini and even Bagnaia on a satellite bike, the pressure to give him a factory seat will skyrocket.

A Championship Shaping Weekend

Jerez may only be the fourth stop on the calendar, but its impact on the championship can’t be overstated. If Bagnaia wins and holds off Marquez, it will be a huge psychological blow to the Spaniard and a reaffirmation of Pecco’s status as the current king of MotoGP. But if Marquez finishes ahead—especially if he wins—it could tilt the entire 2025 storyline.

There’s also the Jorge Martín factor. Martín has consistently been Bagnaia’s biggest challenger, and if the two engage in a battle while Marquez lurks, it could turn into a three-way war that nobody can control. Hodgson’s comments may have focused on Bagnaia and Marquez, but the presence of Martín, Acosta, and even Maverick Viñales cannot be ignored.