Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez expressed his sadness at seeing Pecco Bagnaia going through one of the most difficult seasons of his career. The Spaniard, currently recovering from injury, was direct: "It hurts me to see him like this. Pecco has had an emotional rollercoaster year, and I don't think even he can explain it." »
Announced as the main rival of Marquez for the 2025 title after his official promotion to the factory team DucatiBagnaia never regained his level as a two-time world champion.
From the start of the season, his lack of confidence at the front and his difficulties in getting the new GP25 to work hampered his performance.
Despite a flash of genius at Japanese Grand Prix, which he dominated, he then experienced two disastrous weekends in Indonesia and Australiaunable to find the rhythm.
À SepangHe seemed to have rediscovered his best form by securing pole position and winning the sprint, before a puncture prevented him from reaching the podium on Sunday. But at PortugalThe nightmare began again: eighth in the sprint, then a crash during the race when he was only fourth. With one round to go, bagnaia risks finishing fifth in the championship, far from the ambitions displayed by Ducati.
Marquez, questioned on Tuesday during a press conference organized by Estrella GaliciaHe was keen to defend his teammate:
« It hurts me to see him like this. Pecco has had an emotional rollercoaster year, and I don't think even he can explain it.. The best thing that could happen to him is that winter arrives and he can recharge his batteries. »
He adds : " He hasn't forgotten how to ride a motorcycle.We saw it at Motegi. It would be the best thing for the Ducati project. »
Marc Marquez: “ I had my check-up with the doctor and I no longer need the splint. »
Strong words from the man who, ironically, had been presented as his main opponent at DucatiMarquez insists that bagnaia remains a pillar of the Borgo Panigale project, despite the doubts.
The sports director Davide Tardozzi acknowledged that Ducati had " does everything possible to help him "But no permanent solution had been found. The GP25 was modified several times this season in the hope of restoring its lost front-end confidence, without lasting success."
Still recovering from his serious shoulder injury sustained during his collision with Marco Bezzecchi at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Marquez will also miss the final of Valencia.
The Spaniard confirmed that he had his brace removed on Monday:
« I wasn't bored. I didn't have time to get bored.In recent days, we have focused on slowing down the pace, and then on starting rehabilitation. It's going well »
« Yesterday I had my check-up with the doctor and I no longer need the splint. We resume the usual arm movements »
Marc Marquez et bagnaia, meant to symbolize the total domination of Ducati By 2025, they will have followed opposite trajectories.
The first rider finished the season injured but with the title, while the second struggled with a temperamental motorcycle and a fragile mental state. And, in the ultimate paradox: the one who consoled him was the champion he was supposed to face.
