Marc Márquez quietly played a crucial role in supporting and protecting Francesco Bagnaia during some of the most difficult moments of the 2025 MotoGP season, according to Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi. The revelation sheds new light on the internal dynamics of Ducati’s factory garage during a year marked by sporting contrast and emotional strain.
Bagnaia, a three-time world champion and long regarded as Ducati’s standard-bearer, endured what many observers described as his most challenging campaign in the premier class. The GP25 proved an uneasy fit for his riding style, undermining his confidence and consistency across the season. That downturn coincided with the arrival of Márquez in the works team — a seismic move that immediately paid dividends for Ducati, as the Spaniard dominated the championship with 11 victories and eight pole positions.
The stark contrast in results inevitably created tension. Bagnaia, accustomed to being Ducati’s leading light, cut a frustrated figure at times, while Márquez’s relentless success ensured the Bologna marque remained at the forefront of MotoGP. Both rider and team publicly acknowledged moments of strain, even admitting to a degree of mutual impatience as the season wore on.
Yet Tardozzi has now revealed a more nuanced picture behind the scenes. Speaking to Motorsport.com, he disclosed that Márquez repeatedly urged restraint from Ducati management during moments when Bagnaia was particularly vulnerable.
“I’m going to tell you something I’ve told very few people,” Tardozzi said. “In moments of great difficulty for Pecco, on two very specific occasions, Marc told me to do or not do certain things so as not to bother him. Marc was going very well, but he was worried about not disturbing Pecco’s serenity.”
Tardozzi described the behaviour as unprecedented in his experience, noting that Márquez even attempted to temper the internal celebration of his own victories to protect his team-mate’s morale. “That way of being belongs to a great person,” he added. “A very good person.”
As Ducati looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the human dimension of its rider management may prove as important as raw performance. Bagnaia’s contract expires at the end of 2026, and his long-term future at the factory team is far from assured. KTM prodigy Pedro Acosta has emerged as a leading candidate for a future Ducati seat alongside Márquez, intensifying speculation.
Tardozzi made no secret of his admiration for Acosta, describing the 21-year-old as “the future of MotoGP” based on his achievements across the junior categories. However, he stopped short of framing those comments within Ducati’s contractual decisions.
Despite reports that Ducati and Márquez have reached an agreement in principle for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, Tardozzi stressed that nothing is yet final. With lucrative offers reportedly on the table from rival manufacturers, Ducati is treading carefully.
“Who’s the crazy one who wouldn’t want Marc?” Tardozzi asked. “Everyone wants him.”
Bagnaia, for his part, has adopted a measured stance, insisting he will take his future “race by race”. Ducati, however, may not enjoy the luxury of time, with a major regulation overhaul looming in 2027.
“If Marc decides to leave,” Tardozzi concluded, “the priority will be to renew Bagnaia.”
Ducati Factory Riders: 2025 Snapshot
| Rider | Wins (2025) | Poles | Championship Context | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marc Márquez | 11 | 8 | Dominant title-winning campaign | Talks ongoing beyond 2026 |
| Francesco Bagnaia | — | — | Struggled with GP25 adaptation | Contract ends 2026 |
Behind the fierce rivalry and strategic uncertainty, Ducati’s 2025 season revealed an unexpected layer of mutual respect — one that may yet influence the shape of its future.