Pecco Bagnaia Desperately Pleads: ‘I cannot do miraclesmiracles’

Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP world champion, has never been one to shy away from a challenge. But after a rocky start to the 2025 season, the Italian star is making a sobering admission: he can’t do it alone. The Ducati GP25, once viewed as the crown jewel of the MotoGP grid, has become a source of constant frustration for Bagnaia, who now trails his teammate Marc Marquez by 72 points in the championship standings.

Following a disastrous crash at Silverstone, Bagnaia delivered a raw and revealing assessment of his situation. His message to Ducati’s engineers was clear:

“I know that I am super fast. I know I can win every race. But if my feeling still remains the same, I cannot do miracles. I need some help.”

Ducati GP25: From Dream Machine to Disappointment

For the past three seasons, the Ducati Desmosedici has been the envy of the paddock. With superior top-end speed, revolutionary aerodynamics, and unrivaled acceleration, the Italian machine dominated the MotoGP field.

But in 2025, the factory team made a bold move: they introduced a new engine design in the GP25, hoping to unlock another level of performance. Instead, it created a cascade of problems. Both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez voiced early dissatisfaction with the new engine during preseason testing, prompting Ducati to revert to an older engine spec—a rare concession from a manufacturer that prides itself on innovation.

“It’s the first time that our bike is not competitive,” Bagnaia confessed. “Something is not working.”

Bagnaia’s Silverstone Meltdown: ‘Not Normal’ Crash Raises Alarms

During the British Grand Prix, Bagnaia seemed poised to turn things around. He was running in second place when the race was red-flagged, setting up a restart. In a strategic gamble, Bagnaia swapped his rear tyre for the restart—a decision that backfired spectacularly.

He crashed out of the race shortly after the lights went out. It was another blow in what has become a streak of disheartening results, including a zero-point finish at Le Mans.

“In Corner 7 I crashed in a way which was not normal,” Bagnaia said. “Something more happened.”

Despite a glimmer of hope during the main race, Bagnaia made it clear that his overall feeling on the Ducati GP25 hasn’t improved since preseason testing.

“Not worse, not better. Like always, I don’t feel anything.”

Marquez Hides the Flaws, Bagnaia Exposes Them

While Bagnaia struggles publicly, Marc Marquez has somehow kept the GP25 competitive, leading the MotoGP championship and displaying the kind of resilience that’s earned him eight world titles.

But at Silverstone, even Marquez couldn’t completely mask the Ducati’s flaws. It was the first time the Spaniard openly acknowledged difficulties with the bike.

Bagnaia, who’s never been one to throw his teammate under the bus, had a surprising take on Marquez’s success:

“Marc is doing an incredible job. He is hiding the bike’s problems with his riding.”

The remark was both a compliment and a warning: if even Marquez starts to falter, Ducati’s issues could become catastrophic.

Gigi Dall’Igna’s Rallying Cry: Ducati Must Deliver

In response to Bagnaia’s public plea, Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna issued a rallying cry to the entire factory effort. With Bagnaia now 72 points behind Marquez, Ducati risks fracturing its championship campaign if it fails to support both riders equally.

“We cannot afford to lose confidence in Pecco. He is a world champion, and he needs the full support of Bologna,” Dall’Igna told Sky Italia.

Dall’Igna’s statement hinted at urgent factory intervention, potentially including:

• New chassis components

• Updated electronics mapping

• Revised rear grip strategies

• Customized geometry settings for Bagnaia’s riding style

The challenge lies in balancing both Marquez’s feedback and Bagnaia’s needs—a tricky dance for a factory supporting two elite riders with contrasting styles.

Troubles That Date Back to Preseason

The seeds of Bagnaia’s struggles were planted early. Ducati’s attempt to revolutionize the GP25 engine architecture brought unexpected trade-offs—specifically in throttle connection and rear tyre grip.

Marquez, who joined Ducati from Gresini this year, adapted quickly despite voicing his own skepticism during Qatar testing. But Bagnaia, deeply in tune with the GP23 and GP24, found the GP25’s behavior alien.

“It’s like I’m riding a different machine entirely,” he told Italian media earlier this season. “It’s difficult to feel the limit.”

That lack of feeling has cost Bagnaia dearly in braking zones, corner entry, and rear tyre conservation—critical elements in modern MotoGP racing.

From Title Contender to Crisis Mode

Before the season, Bagnaia was one of the odds-on favorites to capture a third consecutive MotoGP world championship. But after half the season, he sits fifth in the standings, while rookies and satellite Ducati riders like Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini often outperform him.

The Silverstone crash may have been the tipping point. After the race, Bagnaia didn’t hold back:

“I need a complete solution. The engineers are working hard. But right now? The feeling is far.”

That comment underscores a crisis of confidence not just in the machine—but in Ducati’s ability to react fast enough.

What’s Next: A Make-or-Break Phase Approaches

With critical races ahead at Austria, Misano, and Aragon, time is running out for Bagnaia to salvage his season. Ducati engineers have reportedly begun evaluating radical geometry changes and even a potential swingarm modification to address rear grip and stability concerns.

Meanwhile, Bagnaia is doing his best to remain mentally strong:

“I know what I can do when the bike is right. I just need the tools to fight.”

MotoGP insiders believe that if Ducati can provide even a 10% improvement in rear feel and braking stability, Bagnaia could return to the top step of the podium. But if improvements don’t come quickly, a three-peat title dream may die in the garage—not on the track.

Can Ducati Afford to Lose Pecco?

While Bagnaia is under contract, tension is mounting. Ducati risks alienating its homegrown champion, especially as Marquez’s growing influence inside the garage shifts development priorities.

The emotional core of Ducati’s fanbase is still very much aligned with Bagnaia—a rider who brought back-to-back titles to the Italian factory for the first time in over 50 years. The optics of a champion pleading for help while a new teammate dominates could create internal fractures that spill into next season.

“Ducati’s greatest strength was unity,” said former rider Andrea Dovizioso. “They must protect that.”

Final Thoughts: Bagnaia Needs Support – Now

Pecco Bagnaia has done everything Ducati asked: won titles, promoted the brand, and maintained composure through adversity. But even the best riders can only carry so much weight alone.

With his MotoGP title hopes slipping, the time for Ducati to act is now. Bagnaia’s message is clear: he’s ready to fight—but he needs a machine that will fight with him.

As the paddock heads to the Red Bull Ring, one of Ducati’s strongest tracks, all eyes will be on whether Bagnaia’s pleas were heard—or if his 2025 season will be remembered as the one that got away.