Ducati: Marquez “Supported” Bagnaia in Tough Moments

Marc Marquez“assisted and safeguarded” his teammateFrancesco Bagnaiaduring some of his most challenging times in the 2025 MotoGP campaign, as reportedDucati team boss Davide Tardozzi.

Three-time world champion Bagnaia faced what many considered his most challenging season in the top division last year, as he had difficulties with the GP25’s handling, which he believed did not align with his riding approach.

The drop in performance coincided with Marquez’s arrival at the factory garage, as the Spaniard went on to lead the championship with 11 wins and eight pole positions.

This contrast made Ducati’s internal relationships more complex, especially since Bagnaia had been the brand’s most successful rider. Both parties admitted to increasing frustration at times, even openly stating they were losing patience with each other, while Marquez kept Ducati at the forefront of MotoGP almost every weekend.

Nevertheless, as Ducati aims to start anew with Bagnaia in 2026, Tardozzi mentioned that Marquez was instrumental in relieving stress and supporting his Italian teammate during challenging times.

I’m going to share something I’ve only told a few people,” Tardozzi said. “Believe me when I say that during times of significant challenges for Pecco, especially on two particular instances, Marc advised me to do or avoid certain actions so as not to disturb him, because he was performing very well and was concerned about not disrupting Pecco’s calm.

I had never witnessed that in any other rider. A conduct of assisting and safeguarding Pecco, aiming to moderate the excitement surrounding his triumphs. I don’t wish to mention when or where those two instances occurred, as it wouldn’t be just, but it revealed a manner of being that, in my view, is characteristic of a remarkable individual, a truly kind person.

Bagnaia’s agreement with Ducati concludes at the end of 2026, and there is no certainty that he will remain with the factory team after that, as KTM’s promising talent emerges.Pedro Acostabeing associated with the seat adjacent to Marquez.

When asked to evaluate Acosta as a rider, but not in the context of a possible Ducati contract, Tardozzi did not try to conceal his appreciation.

“It’s evident that Pedro, considering his performances in the Rookies Cup, Moto3, and Moto2, leads one to believe he could be a potential winner of the MotoGP world title,” he stated.

I’m not the one making that claim – everyone can confirm it. At 21 years old, I believe Acosta is the future of MotoGP, similar to how we view Fermin [Aldeguer] and other riders from Moto3 or Moto2.

Even though Motorsport.com had reported earlier this week thatDucati and Marquez have come to a preliminary agreement for the 2027 and 2028 seasons., Tardozzi continued to downplay confidence regarding the Spaniard’s future, especially considering significant financial interest from Ducati’s Japanese competitors.

Who’s the crazy person who wouldn’t want Marc?” Tardozzi asked in a rhetorical tone. “Everyone wants him.

Following Ducati’s launch event, Bagnaia mentioned he will concentrate on each race individually, avoiding hasty decisions about his future. However, given the current trends in the rider market and the upcoming rules set for 2027, Ducati might not be able to delay indefinitely.

“We have mentioned that the main focus is to renew Marquez. Marc has very appealing offers available – highly appealing, of course,” said Tardozzi.

From a technical and financial perspective, we have a chance: he is familiar with us and we are familiar with him. This enables us to take some time since we have a positive impression. We still need a little more time to reach a decision. We hope he makes it soon and that it’s in favor of continuing with Ducati, naturally. However, he has requested some time, and we have granted it to him.

When asked about Bagnaia’s situation, Tardozzi stated: “Once we find out if Marc stays with us or not, we will consider the other rider. It is clear that if Marquez chooses to depart, the main focus will be on extending Bagnaia’s contract.”