Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia's rivalry set to intensify

Ducati Lenovo teammates Marquez and Bagnaia could clash as they battle for the championship.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team alongside Francesco Bagnaia of Italy and Ducati Lenovo Team during the pre-event press conference ahead of the MotoGP PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circuit in Buriram on February 27, 2025. Photo by Steve Wobser/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The relationship between Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia at Ducati Lenovo is expected to face challenges throughout the MotoGP 2025 season. While they may be teammates, the intense competition between them could lead to friction as both riders pursue the championship.

Ducati teammates set for fierce championship battle

Pramac Racing boss Paolo Campinoti has hinted at the possibility of tensions brewing between Marquez and Bagnaia as they compete for the MotoGP title. With both riders sharing the same ambition and determination to win, their relationship could be tested as the season unfolds.

"At the same level, they will determine the desire to win and the balance in the garage," Campinoti told Crash on March 13, 2025.

While he remains optimistic about their partnership, he acknowledges that their dynamic could change as the competition intensifies.

“I predict everything will go well, but it's not certain,” he added.

Marquez and Bagnaia’s rivalry already taking shape

Although Marquez and Bagnaia have maintained a cordial relationship so far, the competition between them has already surfaced on the track. In the season-opening MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix, Marquez outperformed Bagnaia, securing victories in both the sprint and main races. Meanwhile, Bagnaia had to settle for third place, trailing behind his new teammate.

With Marquez making an immediate impact in his debut season with Ducati Lenovo, Bagnaia faces the challenge of asserting himself as the team’s lead rider. Having won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, Bagnaia is eager to reclaim his dominance, but Marquez’s arrival has significantly intensified the internal competition at Ducati.

Next showdown set for MotoGP Argentina

The battle between Marquez and Bagnaia will continue at the 2025 MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit from March 14-17. This race will serve as another key indicator of how their rivalry develops, with both riders looking to strengthen their title credentials.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Ducati manages the dynamic between its two championship contenders. Will Bagnaia’s consistency and experience with Ducati give him the upper hand, or will Marquez’s aggressive style propel him to another world title? One thing is certain—MotoGP 2025 is set to deliver one of the fiercest intra-team rivalries in recent history.