We’re just a week into the MotoGP World season, and the biggest question mark hanging over the competition is how Ducati will manage the potential friction between their two star riders, Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia. With eight and three championships under their belts, respectively, they’re the clear favorites to take the top spot in the queen class, which kicks off at the Grand Prix of Thailand. For now, everything seems serene, with both riders working together to fine-tune the DESMOSEDICI GP25. However, it’s only natural to wonder how long this harmony will last, especially when the stakes are as high as they are in MotoGP.
The vision of the ‘Mazarrón Shark’
As the current benchmarks, Ducati’s rivals often find themselves fielding questions about the team. While most responses are predictably diplomatic, some, like Pedro Acosta, are more forthright. The two-time champion has never been one to mince words, and his take on the Ducati situation is characteristically blunt. “How will Ducati manage the relationship between Marc and Pecco? That’s not my problem, but the truth is that there cannot be two number 1 within the box,” Acosta said in a recent podcast interview.
Acosta’s own ambitions for the season are nothing if not bold. “For me to say that it’s been a good year, I should win… but we’ll say that it would have to be fourth,” he stated, referencing his current sixth-place standing in the 2024 general rankings.
Tardazzi will have it difficult…
Pablo Nieto, Team Manager of VR46, has also weighed in on the dynamics within the Ducati camp. “I wouldn’t like to be in Davide Tardazzi’s shoes, but I would love to be in that situation, competing with two top-notch riders,” he remarked. Nieto acknowledges that maintaining a harmonious relationship between Márquez and Bagnaia will be a tall order, especially if they’re both vying for the championship. “Historically, when two teammates are fighting for the title, things can get complicated,” he noted.
Nieto went on to praise both Márquez and Bagnaia, singling out the latter’s self-belief as a key strength. “Pecco’s strong point is how much he believes in himself – that’s what sets him apart,” he said. As for Márquez, Nieto views him as a serious contender, citing his impressive track record. “We know he’s an incredibly strong rider, and this year, he’ll be one of the references, one of the guys fighting for the title.” With both riders poised to make a strong run, it’ll be fascinating to see how their rivalry unfolds – and whether Ducati can keep the peace within their camp.
