Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia: What they appreciate about each other

– For a long time, the collaboration between Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia in the Ducati factory team was considered a potential source of conflict. The sporting rivalry and the history of the two camps in the MotoGP paddock seemed too great.

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But during their time as teammates, it quickly became clear: the relationship between the two Ducati stars is much more harmonious than many originally expected.

Marc Marquez finds mostly praising words for his teammate in a new MotoGP video clip. He especially appreciates his character. “The best thing about Pecco is that he is incredibly kind and always honest,” says the Spaniard.

Exactly this openness is also the key to the collaboration within the Ducati factory team: “The most important thing is that we have a very good relationship as teammates and are always honest with each other. That is the decisive factor.”

Bagnaia: Rossi feud was never my business

Bagnaia also confirms that the public perception long did not correspond to reality. Due to Marquez’s eventful career and his own past as a protégé of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 rider academy, many speculations about the atmosphere in the Ducati garage arose.

“After everything that has happened in Marc’s career, and because I grew up in Valentino’s academy, there were many opinions about our relationship in the garage,” explains the two-time MotoGP world champion, emphasizing at the same time: “But as I have often said: that was never my business.”

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Photo series: Before Bagnaia and Marquez: They were Ducati teammates in MotoGP

The Italian never got involved in the old rivalries between the different camps. When Marquez joined the Ducati factory team at the beginning of 2025 and became his teammate, he approached the Spaniard openly from the start.

“I was open to getting to know Marc from the very first moment. We started building a really good relationship already at the first test,” Bagnaia looks back.

Close collaboration with positive synergy effects

This quickly transferred to their joint development work. Both riders exchange ideas intensively, analyze each other’s data, and support each other in tuning their motorcycles. One hand washes the other.

“We started working together a lot and analyzing things together. I tried to help Marc when he needed something. And when I had problems myself, he helped me in a very positive way,” Bagnaia describes the synergy effects in the team partnership with Marquez.

For him, it is clear why the collaboration works so well: “Marc is a very intelligent rider, and we work very well together.” Nevertheless, the duo will only share the garage this season. After that, Bagnaia will move to Aprilia and Pedro Acosta will become Marquez’s new teammate.

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