Pecco Bagnaia's 2025 MotoGP season opener at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand proved to be less than satisfactory for the Ducati star as he finished third, trailing behind the dynamic duo of Marc and Alex Marquez. The race, held on March 1, marked the beginning of the new season, but it quickly became evident to Bagnaia and his team just how challenging it would be to reclaim dominance.
From the outset, the much-anticipated battle between Bagnaia and the Marquez brothers turned out to be one-sided. While Marc cruised to victory, exhibiting exceptional control and speed, Pecco felt more like an observer than a competitor. "Marc has played with us during the race. I felt like I was watching from the sidelines, which is disappointing," Bagnaia lamented after the race.
Despite the respectable finish, Bagnaia's dissatisfaction was palpable. He voiced his concerns immediately after stepping off his bike: "Adesso voglio capire cosa è successo," or “I want to understand what happened,” as he discussed his performance issues with his team leaders, Gigi Dall'Igna and Davide Tardozzi. He stressed the feeling of inadequacy, particularly when it came to tire choices: "It seemed like I was just watching the race rather than being part of it."
While both Marc and Alex Marquez showcased strong performances throughout the weekend, Bagnaia struggled with his set-up and tire strategy. His complaints centered around the hard front tire he had chosen, which, he argued, limited his ability to compete effectively. On this, he remarked, "I tried to close the gap, but I found it hard to catch up as I desired," indicating his frustrations with the bike’s balance and handling during the race.
Dall’Igna recognized the discrepancies between Bagnaia and the Marquez brothers, hinting at differences in the preparation of their motorcycles. He commented, "I believe Marc has already mastered the bike and knows what to do next, but Pecco still has room for improvement. I expect him to step up during the next GP events."
Following the finish, the Ducati team administration consoled Bagnaia, but he clearly was not satisfied with settling for third place. He had envisioned aspirations of podium finishes but aimed higher, feeling the importance of pushing beyond his current limits. "It was my maximum performance, but I will never be satisfied with coming third. Next time, I will strive for second and then first," he stated passionately.
Dall’Igna echoed these sentiments, stating the need to reconsider strategies moving forward. "It's more important to focus on the next race. Pecco needs to take more risks going forward, especially with how these races can change quickly,' he explained. For Bagnaia, who had hoped to leverage what he learned from the previous season, the mountain before him was steep. "It's just the start of the season, and I still have work to do," he acknowledged.
Marc Marquez not only topped the podium but did so with the kind of confidence born from years of experience, the kind Bagnaia knows he must cultivate if he’s to stay competitive. Coming off his own history of being the target of pressure, Bagnaia is well aware of the challenges the next race, scheduled for mid-March, will bring. With no more than 42 races remaining, every performance decision will matter as he presses on, determined to refine his techniques and rebound from the disappointment felt at Buriram.
The struggles witnessed this past weekend are not representative of Bagnaia’s capabilities but serve as reminders of the rigorous demands and precise executions needed within the MotoGP arena. He has the potential to improve, and with it, the resilience necessary to continue challenging at the front of the grid. His determination to turn things around cannot be understated, and as the season progresses, fans and rivals alike will watch with bated breath to see how he masters the learning curve against formidable adversaries.