Ducati insists Rossi’s presence will not disrupt team harmony

Ducati dismisses concerns over Valentino Rossi’s influence on Bagnaia and Marquez.

Valentino Rossi and Francesco Bagnaia of Italy walk the red carpet before the FIM MotoGP Awards Ceremony at Fira de Valencia on November 14, 2021, in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Jose Breton/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

The arrival of Marc Marquez at Ducati alongside Valentino Rossi’s protégé, Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia, has sparked speculation about potential tensions within the team. Given Rossi’s historic rivalry with Marquez, questions have been raised about whether his influence could affect the dynamic between the two riders. However, Ducati has moved swiftly to shut down any such concerns, emphasizing the team’s focus on unity and competition.

Ducati team principal Davide Tardozzi has made it clear that Rossi’s presence will not disrupt the team’s harmony. Bagnaia, a two-time MotoGP world champion and key figure in the VR46 academy, has developed under Rossi’s mentorship. Despite this, Tardozzi insists Bagnaia is his own man.

Ducati reassures team harmony remains intact

With the highly anticipated partnership between Bagnaia and Marquez, speculation about internal conflicts has intensified. The history between Marquez and Rossi, particularly the infamous 2015 Sepang Clash, has led some to wonder if old rivalries could resurface. However, Ducati remains confident in the professional approach of its riders.

Tardozzi addressed the issue directly, stating that Bagnaia’s relationship with Rossi does not interfere with his decision-making.

“Pecco thinks for himself,” Tardozzi told reporters. “I know very well that within the VR46 group, Pecco says what he thinks and not what others would like to hear. Valentino and his close friends have their own ideas, and Pecco shares some of them, but not all. He has his own discernment and follows his ideas.”

Tardozzi’s statement underscores Ducati’s stance that Bagnaia is fully capable of making independent choices and that Rossi’s influence is not a cause for concern.

Marquez’s arrival and media attention

Marquez’s move to Ducati has been one of the most talked-about transfers in recent MotoGP history. The six-time premier-class world champion joins the reigning champion team, instantly making Ducati the focal point of the 2025 season.

Questions have been raised about how Bagnaia might feel about sharing the spotlight with Marquez. Given the extensive media attention surrounding Marquez, some have speculated that Bagnaia might be overshadowed.

Tardozzi dismissed these concerns, insisting that Bagnaia remains a central figure for Ducati.

“No. If Marc had signed for another manufacturer, the media would have been just as interested in him,” Tardozzi said. “Pecco knows where he belongs at Ducati. He has a strong group around him, he has the credibility of a double MotoGP world champion. He trusts us because he knows that we are doing everything possible for him and that the arrival of Marc is not going to take anything away from him.”

Potential for a strong partnership

Despite their past battles on track, Ducati believes Bagnaia and Marquez can form a formidable partnership. Both riders have different strengths, but Tardozzi sees their collaboration as a major advantage for the team.

“What I liked is that during the Barcelona test in November, their feedback and the answers they gave to the engineers were very similar,” Tardozzi revealed. “And that’s without even having spoken to each other before. And even if they don’t have exactly the same riding style, they are two riders who are very good at braking and corner entry.”

This level of mutual understanding could prove crucial as Ducati aims to maintain its dominance in the championship. Having two of the most talented riders working towards a common goal could give the team a significant edge over its rivals.

Ducati’s championship ambitions

Ducati enters the 2025 season as the team to beat. Having secured titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024, expectations are high for another dominant year. However, Tardozzi acknowledges that the competition is fierce and that nothing can be taken for granted.

“We won in 2022, 2023, and 2024, but for 2025 we start from scratch,” Tardozzi said. “The competition is getting tougher, and our rivals have improved. We have to beat the riders who were better than us at the start of the season.”

As the season opener approaches, Ducati remains focused on ensuring both Bagnaia and Marquez have the best possible conditions to succeed. While external speculation continues about Rossi’s role and Marquez’s impact on the team, Ducati is clear in its message: harmony remains intact, and their sights are firmly set on another championship-winning campaign.

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