The MotoGP 2025 season has kicked off with a blend of thrilling performances and unexpected challenges, capturing the attention of fans and experts alike. Ducati's Gigi Dall'Igna stands at the forefront of this action, analyzing the contrasting starts of his riders as they navigate early challenges on the track.
Currently, Ducati is basking in its glory with four podiums achieved across two races in Buriram, Thailand, and Termas de Río Hondo, Argentina. This impressive feat has, in large part, been made possible thanks to Marc Marquez, who has quickly adapted to his new team environment. However, amidst this success, a shadow looms over the team with the performance of Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia, the two-time champion (2022-2023), who has struggled to find his footing amidst fierce competition.
In his analysis, Dall'Igna acknowledged, "An important part of our team is thriving, while another has to work a little harder." This encapsulates the mixed feelings within the Ducati garage as Bagnaia, typically the star rider, finds himself outperformed by not only Marquez but also by his teammates Alex Marquez and Franco Morbidelli. The situation is undoubtedly concerning for Ducati, as Bagnaia has expressed a desire to return to form for the upcoming GP24 at Austin, scheduled from March 27-29.
Bagnaia finished fourth in the recent race in Argentina, a result that Dall'Igna described emphatically as not adequate for a rider of his caliber. "There's no problem with the bike," he stated, emphasizing that the technical aspects are sound, but Bagnaia simply needs to improve. "He absolutely has to go faster. Third place doesn't belong to Pecco; he can and must do better," he explained, underlining the urgency for Bagnaia to regain his dominant form.
Conversely, Marc Marquez has shown no signs of needing any adjustment period with his new bike, showcasing a remarkable synergy with the Desmosedici. "We have demonstrated this many times, especially last year with Martin and Pecco. Marc has no different parts from the others. He has the exact same bike as the others," Dall'Igna insisted. Marquez's proficiency raises further questions regarding the internal competition within the team and the pressure it could place on Bagnaia.
The Austin circuit is historically favorable to Marquez, a factor noted by Dall'Igna, who said, "Austin is a circuit that greatly favors Marc Marquez." This could further elevate the stakes for Bagnaia as he works to navigate through a challenging phase in his career while attempting to harness his bike's full potential.
Adding another layer of complexity to this year's season is the emergence of Alex Marquez, who has developed a reputation as the "most aggressive" rider in MotoGP following his impressive performances in the first two rounds of the championship. He has consistently finished second in both sprint races and main events in Thailand and Argentina, outpacing not just Bagnaia but many seasoned riders.
TNT Sports' Suzi Perry commented on Marquez's potential, highlighting that inconsistency has been an ongoing issue for him: "He has flashes of brilliance, but then red mist." Michael Laverty echoed this view, suggesting Marquez's aggression had a significant impact on his racing style: "He is so aggressive in the early laps. Probably the most aggressive rider." Despite these issues, Alex Marquez's rapid growth signifies he could become a formidable competitor this season, with predictions he might challenge his brother Marc Marquez for race wins.
As it stands, Alex Marquez is only 16 points behind his brother's total after two races. The expectations have shifted from skepticism surrounding his abilities to an endorsement from his brother, who noted, "He could be the surprise package of the 2025 season - he could fight at every track, be a thorn in Pecco's side, and trouble Marc on occasions." This sentiment was echoed by Laverty, who underscored Alex's determination to improve alongside Marc's prowess, stating, "He will be working to be as good as Marc, to learn that craft to extract something extra out of the bike and the tyres. Nobody else can do it."
In the rookie class of riders, Ai Ogura from Trackhouse Racing is making waves with his standout performance. He qualified fifth in the Thailand round and has recorded impressive finishes, although he faced a setback with disqualification from a recent race in Argentina. Still, his debut has placed considerable pressure on his teammate Raul Fernandez. As Laverty stated, Ogura's impact on the team was undeniable: "[Ogura] puts huge pressure on Fernandez’s shoulders."
These developments illustrate the intense internal and external rivalries present as the 2025 MotoGP season unfolds. Trackhouse's decision to bring on Ogura has paid off, showcasing the quiet determination of a rider often overlooked. With excitement buzzing around each of these narratives, fans are eager to see not just how the stocks among the Ducati team fluctuate but also how each rider's journey evolves throughout the season.
