Jorge Lorenzo analyzes the situation in the Ducati factory team and points out that Bagnaias’ problems are more related to the level shown by Marquez
The first twelve Grands Prix, which made up the first half of the 2025 MotoGP season, revealed clearly different, sometimes contrasting phases for the Ducati factory team, the strongest team in the field.
On the one hand, Marc Marquez has left no doubt in his first year in red that he is still the best rider, the man to beat. As if no time had passed, despite years of injuries and crises at Honda, he has made a brilliant start to the season.
The eight-time world champion has racked up eight wins in Sunday races, eleven sprint wins and five double wins in a row before the summer break. The man from Cervera is heading straight for another world championship title – with a whopping 120-point lead over his brother Alex Marquez.
On the other hand, Francesco Bagnaia is struggling. The 2022 and 2023 MotoGP world champion has not been able to find the same feeling on the new Desmosedici as he did in the past. He lacks confidence, especially when braking and entering corners, which is why he has fallen well short of expectations.
Only occasionally did his level of performance shine through. But he seemed increasingly frustrated and discouraged, unable to find the right settings despite changes to his approach on race weekends and adjustments to the bike.
Lorenzo: “Bagnaia has recognized reality”
Someone who knows Ducati, tough team rivalries, and sharing a garage with Marc Marquez very well is Jorge Lorenzo. The five-time world champion and current MotoGP commentator spoke to Italian magazine Motosprint about the internal team situation at Ducati and the relationship between Marquez and Bagnaia.
Lorenzo says he appreciates Bagnaia’s handling of difficulties. However, the Italian has had to face reality: Marc is riding at a different level.
“I think that regardless of how he feels on the GP25, Bagnaia has recognized reality: Marc is a phenomenon. He got on the Ducati with less experience than him and was immediately faster,“ Lorenzo notes, drawing the comparison.
”He’s one of those riders who only comes along every ten or 15 years in MotoGP, and he belongs in the same category as Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, and Jorge Lorenzo. In terms of numbers, he’s even better than us, even if he needs another title to catch up with Valentino,” is his clear analysis.
When asked whether Bagnaia can still turn the situation around in the remaining ten races, Lorenzo answers honestly: “One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Pecco is that he never gives up. He is confident in his talent and speed.”
“Last year, he managed to get back to the top after some difficult races, so I think he’ll try until the end. It won’t be easy, given Marc’s level, but Pecco is younger. That could work in his favor,” speculates the former MotoGP rider.
Alex Marquez surprises, hope for Yamaha
When asked about the rider who has surprised him most positively this year, Lorenzo mentions Alex Marquez. “No one expected such a season. He’s been on the podium almost every time. I congratulate him on his development.”
He also assesses the progress of another manufacturer he knows very well and with whom he won his titles in the premier class: Yamaha. Lorenzo sees progress in Fabio Quartararo, who has already secured four pole positions this year: “The speed over one lap is already a first step.”
“It would be much worse if they were also slow in qualifying. With new tires, the pace is there, now they have to work on their race rhythm: Quartararo would have won at Silverstone without the technical problem,” Lorenzo recalls.
Finally, he also comments on the contract saga between Jorge Martin and Aprilia, which has taken a turn for the better since the Spaniard’s return in Brno.
“It seems clear that Jorge wasn’t entirely convinced when he signed for Aprilia and needed to understand whether he really has another chance at the title. His confidence wasn’t great in the first tests, so he thought about invoking the exit clause,“ Lorenzo summarizes the situation.
”I think from his point of view, it could have been handled differently by talking to Dorna first. There was a lot of confusion in the media that could have been avoided if they had spoken directly to Carmelo Ezpeleta.”
