“It’s Very Normal for Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Márquez to Get Along at This Stage; Then…” – Paolo Ciabatti Hints at Ducati Tension Ahead
The 2025 MotoGP season is shaping up to be an explosive battle, and Ducati’s Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti has dropped a fascinating insight into the evolving relationship between Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Márquez. While the two champions are currently on good terms, Ciabatti suggests that things could take a different turn once the gloves come off in the title fight.
Bagnaia & Márquez: A Friendship on Borrowed Time?
Marc Márquez’s arrival at Gresini Ducati for the 2024 season has already sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock. While Pecco Bagnaia remains the reigning champion and Ducati’s golden boy, Márquez’s presence brings a new layer of competition within the Italian manufacturer’s camp.
In a recent interview, Ciabatti acknowledged that their current cordial relationship is expected—for now.
> “It’s very normal for Pecco and Marc to get along at this stage; then… once the season progresses, things might change,” he hinted, suggesting that as the championship battle intensifies, rivalry could replace respect.
Ducati’s Internal War: A Time Bomb Waiting to Explode?
Ducati has arguably the strongest lineup on the grid, but managing two alpha riders like Bagnaia and Márquez is a delicate balancing act. While they may exchange smiles now, history shows that once title aspirations are at stake, friendships in MotoGP quickly turn into fierce rivalries.
Bagnaia is Ducati’s leading man, but Márquez—despite being on a satellite bike—has the experience and aggressive racing style to disrupt the championship picture. If Márquez starts challenging Bagnaia head-to-head for victories, tensions could rise within Ducati’s camp.
Can Ducati Handle Another Power Struggle?
Ducati has been here before—internal battles between teammates have been a recurring theme in their history. From Dovizioso vs. Lorenzo to Bagnaia vs. Martin, the Bologna-based manufacturer has often struggled to maintain harmony.
With Márquez’s contract only running through 2024, speculation is already brewing about a possible factory Ducati seat in 2025. If Márquez delivers strong performances, he could force Ducati into a difficult decision, adding even more fuel to the fire.
What Happens Next?
For now, Bagnaia and Márquez remain respectful competitors, but as Ciabatti hinted, the real test will come once the championship fight heats up. If both riders start battling for the same prize, Ducati could find itself in the middle of another MotoGP civil war.
Will Ducati be able to keep the peace, or is a dramatic Bagnaia vs. Márquez rivalry inevitable? One thing is certain—this storyline is just getting started.
