MotoGP – “It wasn’t my war”: Bagnaia explains why he and Marc Marquez worked in perfect harmony at Ducati

When Ducati announced Marc Marquez's arrival in the factory team, many imagined a highly charged garage. On one side, Francesco Bagnaia, two-time world champion and pure product of the VR46 Riders Academy. On the other, Marc Marquez, whose rivalry with Valentino Rossi remains one of the most significant in MotoGP history. Yet, nearly two years after their debut as teammates, the reality is quite different.

bagnaia never hid his admiration for Valentino Rossi, who had been with him since his arrival at the VR46 Riders Academy in 2014. A few months later, the 2015 crisis erupted between Rossi et Marquezculminating during the Malaysian Grand Prix and leaving traces that endure to this day.

But Bagnaia refuses to inherit this conflict. Many people had opinions about our future relationship when Marc joined Ducati. But, as I've always said, that wasn't my war."A sentence that perfectly sums up his position. The Italian driver has always been careful to separate personal relationships from the history between his mentor and his teammate."

Contrary to expectations, the two pilots quickly found common ground. From the very first attempt, we began to chat and get to know each other »

Their collaboration developed naturally very quickly. We began to work together, to analyze the dataWhen Marc needed help, I tried to help him. And when I was in trouble, he did exactly the same thing for me. »

Marc Marquez praises Bagnaia's honesty

A few moments earlier, Marquez He himself had been asked to describe his teammate. His answer is revealing. What I appreciate most about Pecco is his honesty"The nine-time world champion continued: We have an excellent relationship as teammates. We are always honest with each other.And that's what matters most."These remarks contrast sharply with the image of an inevitably conflictual cohabitation."

bagnaia also emphasizes the work qualities of Marquez that holds the top spot. " Marc is an extremely intelligent pilot.We work very well together."In a championship where motorcycle development has become almost as important as the riding itself, this cooperation represents a considerable asset for DucatiThe two drivers exchange their analyses, compare their feelings and participate together in the evolution of the Desmosedici.

The story between Valentino Rossi et Marc Marquez It now belongs to the heritage of MotoGP. It continues to fuel debate among fans, but bagnaia refuses to become an actor in it.

His approach is decidedly pragmatic: once he steps into the pit box, only working with his teammate matters. This attitude largely explains why the partnership between two such ambitious champions has worked so far better than many had imagined.

By separating past rivalries from present demands, bagnaia et Marquez have built a professional relationship based on mutual respect, technical exchange and a common goal: to maintain Ducati at the top of MotoGP.