Francesco Bagnaia Reflects on a Challenging 2025 MotoGP Season

Francesco Bagnaia, the talented Italian rider from the Ducati team, has recently expressed deep disappointment regarding his performance in the 2025 MotoGP season. He feels that he has effectively "thrown away" this crucial year, primarily due to his inability to find solutions for the challenges he faced while riding the Ducati GP25. This lack of resolution left him at a significant disadvantage in his pursuit of the championship, particularly against formidable rival Marc Marquez.

Struggles in the Ducati Garage

While Marquez has showcased remarkable dominance since joining the factory Ducati team this season, Bagnaia’s experience has been markedly different. Although he initially performed well, securing podium finishes and even triumphing at the Americas Grand Prix, his performance noticeably deteriorated after the summer break. In the last four races, Bagnaia managed to accumulate only 24 points, putting him in jeopardy of losing his third-place standing in the championship to Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Bagnaia maintains a strong belief in his capabilities as a racer. However, he acknowledges that the difficulties he has faced this season have effectively cost him the opportunity to compete for the title.

Bagnaia on the Current Championship Landscape

Reflecting on the current state of the championship, Bagnaia stated, “I know my potential, and I have no problem with Marc winning at Motegi.” He went on to elaborate on his feelings about the season, stating, “My problem is just that I threw away a season, but there’s not much I could have done about it. The situation was difficult from the start; we never managed to find a solution, so it was inevitable that it would end like this.”

Bagnaia’s admission of the challenges he faced highlights the complexities of competing at such a high level in MotoGP. Despite these setbacks, he remains confident that Marquez’s success does not diminish his own performance capabilities. “I’ve never had any doubts; I’m fully aware of my abilities,” he affirmed.

Marc Marquez’s Dominance

Marc Marquez has been nothing short of extraordinary in the 2025 season, achieving 11 Grand Prix victories and 14 sprint wins across the first 16 weekends of racing. With a commanding lead of 182 points in the standings, Marquez is positioned to secure his ninth world championship, needing only to outscore his brother, Alex Marquez, by three points at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.

Bagnaia observed that Marquez’s unparalleled dominance this season means he has not faced a consistent rival in the championship. “I feel that this championship was the championship without any rivals for Marc, because he was the only one competitive, the only one constant,” he noted. He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but expressed a desire to return to his best form, stating, “Considering the race times of this season, many times I was slower this season [than in 2024], so I think we can, it would be a good fight.”

Learning from Casey Stoner

In a bid to improve his performance, Bagnaia sought the wisdom of two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner during a recent test session in Misano. Stoner’s presence in the Ducati garage has been invaluable, as he has provided insights that have helped Bagnaia navigate his current slump.

When asked about Stoner’s contributions, Bagnaia remarked, “I think it’s something great, also because [the feedback] was given to the technician, to the engineers, [it is] another point of view.” He emphasized the importance of Stoner’s observations, saying, “He’s very sensitive in every aspect, and honestly what he was saying in the garage was what my bike was doing, and [rider coach] Manuel [Poggiali] too.”

Bagnaia appreciated the dual perspective provided by both Stoner and his technical team. “It’s super useful if you want to listen to them, because it’s another point of view. Engineers look at the data and listen to the riders, but are not there watching, riding, so it’s a good point of view.”

The Road Ahead for Bagnaia

As the season progresses, Bagnaia is focused on regaining his competitive edge. Despite the difficulties he has faced, he remains determined to improve and learn from his experiences. The insights gained from Stoner and the support from his team will be crucial as he looks to rectify the setbacks he has encountered this season.

The challenge of competing in MotoGP is immense, with each race presenting its unique trials. For Bagnaia, the road ahead will require resilience, adaptability, and a renewed focus on his performance. The upcoming races will be vital for him as he aims to reclaim his position as one of the top contenders in the championship.

Conclusion

Francesco Bagnaia’s reflections on the 2025 MotoGP season highlight the intense pressures and challenges faced by riders at the highest level of motorcycle racing. His candid acknowledgment of the difficulties he has encountered serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. As he looks to the future, Bagnaia’s commitment to overcoming his current challenges and learning from the best in the business will be key. The remainder of the season holds promise for growth, improvement, and potentially thrilling battles on the track.