Pressure from home is surrounding Ducati – and Pecco Bagnaia has only one chance left to save his honor.

Pecco Bagnaia stands at a crossroads in his 2025 MotoGP season, and there is no more sacred ground to prove himself than Mugello. As the noise grows louder from within his own team, from fans, and from the Italian media, Bagnaia must either regain his form at his home race or risk seeing his reputation dented further — not just by rivals, but by his own teammates.

For Ducati, the Italian Grand Prix is more than just another race. It’s a measuring stick. It’s national pride on two wheels. And with Alex Marquez, Enea Bastianini, and even Marc Marquez in top form, Bagnaia is no longer the undisputed leader of Ducati’s title campaign. His only option now? To rise.

Let’s examine what has gone wrong for Pecco Bagnaia, why Alex Marquez could steal the spotlight, and how Mugello 2025 might become the most pivotal moment of Bagnaia’s career.

Pecco Bagnaia Is Under Fire After Disappointing Results

Coming into the 2025 season, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia was expected to lead Ducati to another world championship. But the cracks began showing early. While he remains mathematically in the title hunt, his performances — especially at Aragon, where he struggled with front-end confidence — have raised serious concerns.

Bagnaia, the two-time MotoGP world champion, appeared unsettled and uncomfortable, losing out not only to rivals like Pedro Acosta and Jorge Martin, but also to his own Ducati colleagues. His problems with front-end grip have persisted despite multiple setup adjustments, and his frustration was visible post-race in Spain.

At this stage, Pecco Bagnaia must deliver in Mugello. If he doesn’t, the narrative will shift from a temporary dip in form to a deeper crisis.

Alex Marquez Has Emerged as the Unexpected Star

While all eyes were on Pecco, Alex Marquez has steadily climbed the standings. Riding for Gresini Racing, the younger Marquez brother has been nothing short of a revelation in 2025. With consistent top-six finishes and a confidence that’s grown race by race, Alex Marquez is now third in the championship, flanked by the factory Ducati riders.

What makes his form even more compelling is the location of the next race — Mugello. It’s a track where Alex Marquez has already won, taking a thrilling Moto2 victory in 2019. That history, combined with his current momentum, makes him a real threat for a podium — or even a win.

If Alex Marquez finishes ahead of Bagnaia again, the pressure on Pecco will become almost unbearable.

Home Race, Home Pressure: Ducati Must Deliver in Mugello

For Ducati, the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello is sacred. It’s where tifosi crowd the hills, flares light up the valley, and every turn of the wheel carries the weight of Italian pride. The red bikes must deliver — and more than one of them is capable of it this year.

Enea Bastianini has shown flashes of brilliance and sits just behind Marquez in the standings.
Marc Marquez continues to adapt to the Ducati GP24 and is a threat on any track.
Alex Marquez is the surprise package, growing more confident each weekend.

That leaves Pecco Bagnaia with one clear mandate: win at Mugello or risk losing the narrative. No other circuit means more to Ducati. No other stage will be more symbolic for Bagnaia to reclaim his authority.

Bagnaia’s Front-End Struggles: A Technical Breakdown

The root of Bagnaia’s current struggles lies in the front of his Ducati. While the GP24 offers better rear grip and acceleration out of corners, Pecco has been unable to find the balance and confidence he needs when braking and turning. This has led to slower corner entry, instability mid-turn, and a loss of confidence in overtaking zones.

At Aragon, this was painfully clear. Bagnaia qualified poorly and spent most of the race unable to gain ground. He admitted post-race: “It’s not just about the bike — I’m missing the feeling I had last year.”

If Mugello offers anything, it’s high-speed corners, elevation changes, and fast chicanes — all of which require absolute trust in front-end feel. Bagnaia must solve this issue or risk being outclassed at his home circuit.

Marquez Brothers Are Shaping the Ducati Narrative

Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez have become the story of 2025 — and that doesn’t bode well for Bagnaia. The Marquez brothers, riding different variants of the Ducati, have shown adaptability, aggression, and speed. And in doing so, they’ve gradually moved the spotlight away from Pecco.

The question Ducati must now answer is this: Who is the true leader of the team?

If Marc Marquez continues to outperform Pecco, fans and insiders will start pushing for him to be the priority in development and strategy.
If Alex Marquez finishes on the podium at Mugello, he will firmly insert himself into the title conversation.
And if Bagnaia falters, his role as Ducati’s main man will no longer be a given.

Is Ducati’s Internal Battle Becoming a Problem?

When you have four top-tier riders on your machinery, it’s both a blessing and a curse. Ducati’s approach to fielding multiple competitive riders — across factory and satellite teams — has created depth, but also confusion.

Team orders have not yet been issued, but rumors suggest they may come into play after Mugello. If Bagnaia fails to close the gap to the championship leaders, Ducati may have no choice but to back another rider — and that could be Marc or even Alex Marquez.

This scenario places additional emotional pressure on Pecco. After all, how can you lead a team that might be preparing to shift its support elsewhere?

Mugello Is Bagnaia’s Last Stand

The 2025 Italian GP could be Pecco Bagnaia’s defining race. It’s a circuit he knows and loves. It’s a track where he’s won before. And it may be the final chance he has to turn his season around before the summer break — when Ducati may make critical decisions about rider hierarchy.

If Bagnaia wins or finishes on the podium, the narrative will change. Confidence will return. The media will back off, and Ducati will likely continue to support him as the lead man.

If he doesn’t? Expect a flurry of headlines questioning whether Ducati’s golden boy has lost his magic.

What Pecco Needs to Do to Bounce Back

For Bagnaia to bounce back at Mugello, three things must happen:

1. Qualify Strong – Pecco must start from the front row to avoid early-race traffic and boost his confidence.

2. Solve the Front-End Issue – Whether it’s a chassis tweak, tire pressure adjustment, or setup overhaul, Bagnaia must feel confident on corner entry.

3. Race Aggressively, Without Mistakes – The calm, measured Pecco must give way to a more aggressive but calculated version, especially when fighting for the podium.

There is no room for another conservative ride. The title race — and possibly his role within Ducati — hangs in the balance.

Conclusion: Mugello or Bust

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Pecco Bagnaia heading into Mugello. With Ducati’s home crowd watching, his teammates rising, and whispers of a team reshuffle growing louder, Pecco has just one chance to protect his honor and reaffirm his place at the top.

Alex Marquez, meanwhile, is ready to make history — and Mugello could be the scene of his first ever MotoGP podium. In doing so, he may unintentionally push his more decorated compatriot closer to crisis.

The home race for Ducati is about more than points — it’s about identity, pride, and momentum. Whether Pecco Bagnaia survives this storm or crumbles under the pressure will be one of the defining stories of the 2025 MotoGP season.