Pecco Bagnaia prepares for Thailand GP as Ducati eyes dominance

Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia finalizes preparations ahead of the MotoGP season opener in Thailand.

Francesco Bagnaia of Italy and Ducati Lenovo Team navigates a turn during the Thailand MotoGP Test at Chang International Circuit on February 13, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

In just a few days, the world's top motorcycle racers will take to the track in Buriram for the highly anticipated Thailand Grand Prix, marking the start of the 2025 MotoGP season. Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia, last season’s MotoGP vice champion, has been making his final preparations at the VR46 Ranch before heading to Thailand for the first official training session of the year.

Despite a challenging pre-season, Bagnaia remains laser-focused on reclaiming the world championship title. Anything less than securing the MotoGP crown in 2025 would be a disappointment for the Italian rider, who has proven to be one of the most formidable competitors in recent years.

Bagnaia’s pre-season form and Ducati’s technical challenges

Physically, Bagnaia is in peak condition. Unlike his rival Jorge Martin, the Ducati factory rider made it through five intense days of MotoGP testing without injury, even after enduring several crashes. His lap times were equally impressive, as he consistently placed himself among the fastest riders on the track. However, the sheer dominance he exhibited in the final stages of the 2024 season was not as evident during testing.

One of the key reasons for this was the unsuccessful introduction of the Ducati GP25. The Ducati factory team, already short on resources due to the injured VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio, spent a significant portion of the test days evaluating the new development. Ultimately, the team decided to abandon the GP25 and revert to the tried-and-tested GP24.

This decision provided some much-needed stability within the Ducati camp, but it also meant a setback in development. While the GP24 remains one of the most competitive machines on the grid, the decision to forgo the GP25 will undoubtedly have a psychological impact on the team and its riders.

The fierce battle ahead: Bagnaia vs. Marquez

Bagnaia understands that he once again has one of the best bikes at his disposal. However, unlike previous seasons, five other riders will have access to the same Ducati GP24, making the fight for the title even more intense. Leading the charge is his own teammate, Marc Marquez, whose aggressive riding style and relentless pursuit of victory add an extra layer of complexity to Bagnaia’s title ambitions.

Marquez, an eight-time world champion, has a history of pushing his teammates to their limits. His well-documented ruthlessness on the track could make for a fascinating intra-team rivalry at Ducati. While Bagnaia has the advantage of experience with the team, Marquez’s talent and ability to adapt quickly cannot be underestimated.

Final preparations before departure to Thailand

Despite the mounting challenges, Bagnaia remains unfazed. In his home base of Pesaro, he has been taking a measured approach to his final training sessions. Before leaving for Thailand, he made a crucial visit to the VR46 Ranch, where he trained alongside his mentor and close friend, Valentino Rossi.

The VR46 Ranch, located in the hills of Tavullia, has long been a breeding ground for MotoGP champions. The flat-track circuit provides riders with an opportunity to sharpen their reflexes and improve their bike-handling skills in a controlled yet highly competitive environment. Bagnaia took full advantage of the conditions, fine-tuning his racing instincts before the grueling 2025 season begins.

Unlike many of his Ducati colleagues, Bagnaia does not rely on a 450cc Desmosedici for off-road training. Instead, he opts for a more traditional flat-track setup, which allows him to focus on refining his throttle control and cornering techniques. The session went smoothly, and he emerged unscathed—an essential factor as he prepares for the physically demanding races ahead.

Ducati’s season expectations and the road ahead

As the 2025 season kicks off, Ducati is expected to once again be the dominant force in MotoGP. The team’s decision to continue with the GP24 ensures that its riders will have a competitive machine from the outset. However, with six Ducati riders having access to the same machinery, internal competition will be fiercer than ever.

Bagnaia will need to deliver consistent performances if he hopes to reclaim the championship. His primary rivals will likely include Marquez, Jorge Martin, and Enea Bastianini, all of whom have demonstrated their ability to win races. Additionally, Yamaha and KTM have made significant strides in their development programs, which could pose a threat to Ducati’s dominance.

One of the key storylines to watch in 2025 will be how Ducati’s strategic approach evolves over the season. Will the team allow an open battle between Bagnaia and Marquez, or will they implement team orders to maximize their championship chances? The internal dynamics within the Ducati garage will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the season.

The battle begins in Thailand

With just days remaining before the Thailand Grand Prix, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most exciting MotoGP seasons in recent memory. Pecco Bagnaia has put in the work during the off-season, and now it’s time to see if his efforts will pay off.

The competition will be fierce, with Marquez, Martin, and other top riders looking to stake their claim for the title. Ducati remains the team to beat, but the unpredictability of MotoGP means that anything can happen once the lights go out in Buriram.

As Bagnaia prepares to take to the track for the first practice session, the stage is set for an exhilarating battle in the 2025 MotoGP season. Will he rise to the occasion and reclaim his title, or will a new champion emerge? The answers will unfold over the course of 22 grueling races, beginning with the Thailand Grand Prix.

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