Francesco Bagnaia was fairly unfortunate not to three-peat in the MotoGP championship in 2024, despite a record year.
Pecco claimed four more victories than he had in any other season, more podiums, and more fastest laps, but still fell short of the title.
The remarkably consistent Jorge Martin pipped him to the overall silverware by just 10 points, despite having taken eight wins less than his rival.
Bagnaia clearly has been one of, if not the best driver in the sport over the last few years, but in 2025 he faces a new challenge.
Marc Marquez hopes Francesco Bagnaia will be a ‘difference’ maker
Having six-time champion Marc Marquez as his new teammate, with all the experience that he has next year will be a challenge.
Marquez has been building speed for a while and ended a three-year win drought in 2024 en route to third in the championship.
Speaking on the MotoGP YouTube channel, he had positive words to say about his new partnership alongside Bagnaia.
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“Pecco will be the difference inside our garage. My target is [to] try to help the team and to be close to Pecco.
“I hope and I wish that the both of us fight for the title, because that means we are super-competitive and we have the best bike.
“I believe a lot in Ducati, and I think we will have the best bike for the next two years. Then you will never know because this is competition.”
Why Bagnaia and Marquez could be explosive
Having two of the best in the sport partner each other comes with its issues – such as managing two riders who want to win.
Neither will want to spare an inch for the other and a resurgent Marquez has no ceiling. He could start to apply real pressure to Pecco.
We haven’t seen the Italian come under too much pressure over the last three years or so, but 2025 could be the year he faces some heat.
Marquez has to elevate his performance another notch or two, and that could come with confidence or more time on the bike.
But if any extra speed comes his way, then Bagnaia will be watching his shoulders very closely, and may even be looking ahead a bit more in the future.