The mind game between Ducati teammates Mark Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia all ends the season.
The pendulum swung firmly in favor of Marquez, a factory-based newcomer at Ducati, who was hit by the top of the championship.
Bagnaia is forced to watch as teammate Marquez rushes far to win both Thai and Argentine sprints and both Grand Prix.
The story within the paddock focuses on Bagnaia’s body language, who admitted that she struggled with working on the GP25.
This example is now cited to illustrate the wide range of mental warfare that Bagnaia must endure.
Sign Hunter avoids Mark Marquez’s Pecco Bagnaia
Mark Marquez
“There were a few fans floating around Marquez,” TNT Sports’ Neil Hodgson said in Argentina.
“It plays with you because you are a two-time MotoGP champion. But you’re not when you have a mark next to you.
“It plays with you. I’m not exaggerating. They’re all waiting for the mark, so no one wants his signature.”
Marquez has been smiling throughout his first few months as a factory Ducati rider since being promoted from Gresini.
He first claimed that Bagnaia was his reference to the GP25, but it changed steadily when they began racing.
read more: Scary truth about Mark Marquez revealed in Argentina’s MotoGP analysis
Davide Tardozzi and Gigi Dall’igna are standing up for the positive environment that remains despite Marquez’s arrival.
The Ducati boss claims that the battle Marquez has not caused any fuss in the garage where Bagnaia once reigned at its highest.
“Mark is a smiling assassin,” Michael Laberty said.
“He goes there and plays a mind game – he smiles in everyone’s face and stabs him in the back.
“He’s out for himself and will do whatever it takes. He’s a nice guy underneath it all.”
Marquez knows he has a great chance to win six races in a row.
The third MotoGP round of 2025 will be on the American circuit in Austin, Texas. This is usually one of his happy hunting grounds.
More success in Austin could steadily widen the 31-point gap between him and third Bagnaia.
Gresini’s Alex Marquez sits second and separates his Ducati teammate from the factory.