Ducati management reassures Bagnaia after Thai GP struggles

Francesco Bagnaia frustrated after two third-place finishes as Ducati bosses offer support.

Francesco Bagnaia of Italy and Ducati Lenovo Team looks on in the box during qualifying for the MotoGP of Thailand at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, on March 1, 2025. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

MotoGP has released exclusive footage from the Thai Grand Prix weekend, revealing Ducati management's efforts to reassure Francesco Bagnaia following his two third-place finishes at Buriram. Despite standing on the podium in both the Sprint and Grand Prix races, the reigning champion was visibly frustrated, as his teammate Marc Marquez claimed victory in the season opener.

Bagnaia’s dissatisfaction stemmed from his inability to match the pace of his Ducati Lenovo teammate Marquez and Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez, who finished ahead of him in both races. The Italian rider, who dominated the 2024 season with 11 Grand Prix wins and seven Sprint victories, expected a stronger start to his title defense.

Ducati bosses urge patience after Thai GP results

Following the race, Ducati Lenovo team manager Davide Tardozzi and Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna attempted to lift Bagnaia’s spirits. Their exchange, captured in the latest edition of MotoGP Unseen, highlighted the psychological battle Bagnaia faces as he defends his title.

“We start the season on the podium,” Tardozzi told Bagnaia, acknowledging the result but urging him to remain positive. “You’re not happy, but it’s okay like this.”

Bagnaia, clearly frustrated, responded, “I’m never happy with third, that’s the problem.”

Tardozzi, maintaining a reassuring tone, replied, “I agree, but when you are on the podium it means that you have done something good.”

Dall’Igna, referencing the mistakes that cost Bagnaia the 2024 title to Jorge Martin, added, “Remember last year. It’s important.”

Bagnaia quickly interjected, saying, “It’s important to finish, but now I want to understand what happened.” His determination to analyze and improve his performance underscored his championship mindset, but it was clear that Ducati’s top brass wanted him to focus on consistency rather than immediate dominance.

Marquez’s victory adds to Bagnaia’s frustration

While Bagnaia analyzed his performance, the Ducati camp was celebrating Marc Marquez’s stunning debut win for the factory team. The contrast between the two riders’ emotions was evident in the footage, with Marquez and his crew jubilantly embracing the victory while Bagnaia, already 14 points behind in the championship, looked unimpressed.

Marquez’s ability to control the race and, as Bagnaia described it, “play” with his rivals, added to the Italian’s frustration. The eight-time world champion’s immediate success in red has intensified the pressure on Bagnaia, raising questions about the balance of power within the Ducati camp.

Early setbacks but a long season ahead

Despite the setback, Bagnaia remains a strong title contender. The MotoGP season is a long battle, and Ducati’s support for their reigning champion suggests they are focused on the bigger picture rather than a single race weekend.

However, with Marquez making an immediate impact and Alex Marquez proving to be a consistent challenger, Bagnaia will need to find answers quickly to reassert himself in the title fight. The upcoming rounds will be crucial in determining whether Buriram was an anomaly or an early warning sign for the season ahead.