Marc Marquez Hints at Ducati Team Hierarchy: Who’s Calling the Shots?
Marc Marquez shares insights on Ducati’s team dynamics after the Barcelona test. Could a clear number one rider emerge for the 2025 MotoGP season?
Pecco Bagnaia has made it clear that he does not believe in having a designated number one rider within the Ducati team at the start of the 2025 MotoGP season.
Speaking after MotoGP’s post-season test in Barcelona, the former World Champion shared his views on the team’s progress for the new season, and the lessons he found for himself after losing the title battle against Jorge Martin.
Following statements by his 2025 teammate Marc Marquez on his possible status within the team, Bagnaia rejects the idea of having a clear number one in the garage next season, especially at the beginning of the year.
“I don’t believe there’s a number one in the garage, nor should there ever be,” Bagnaia said. “The season always starts on equal terms. Both riders are at the same level and have an equal say. Of course, things can shift as the season progresses, but each year, we all begin from zero.”
“We’ve done a great job during the tests. If we keep moving in this direction, we’re already on the right path. 2024 was challenging, 2025 will be even harder. This year I won the most races this season, but with eight crashes, it was hard to imagine I could take the title. In the end, that’s okay,” he said.
“Jerez was important for us because it’s where we finally understood the bike better and could get off to a proper start after struggling early on,” he explained. “Assen was a strong race under a lot of pressure – it was an example of what we could do.”
For the Italian, the 2024 season was full of lessons. “We’ve seen that there’s something to learn in every situation. Winning isn’t the only thing that matters,” he said. “Every time we finished a race, apart from Austin, we ended up in the top three. That’s something to be proud of.”
“Defeats can teach you what needs to be done to avoid mistakes. This season was incredible, and we should be proud of what we achieved. I’m extremely proud of my team and Ducati. Sometimes, losing shows aspects of a team’s character that winning might not reveal. Ducati’s spirit has always been strong, and this year was no different.”
