Pol Espargaro sees Marc Marquez as Ducati’s top contender

Pol Espargaro analyzes Marquez’s strengths and Bagnaia’s strategy for the season.

Pol Espargaro of Spain and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing looks on in the paddock during the MotoGP of Emilia Romagna at Misano World Circuit on September 19, 2024, in Misano Adriatico, Italy. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

Pol Espargaro, a former teammate of Marc Marquez, has weighed in on the growing competition within the Ducati Lenovo Team, as reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia prepares to defend his title against his new teammate. Ducati faces a complex dynamic in MotoGP 2025, with two world champions sharing the same garage, each bringing their own approach to high-pressure racing situations.

Espargaro predicts that Marquez will be the dominant force in the upcoming season, given his vast experience and undeniable talent.

"Without a doubt, it makes no sense to say that Marc will not fight for the world championship," Espargaro said in an interview with Motorsport. "He is one of the most complete riders. If we talk about talent, maturity, courage, ambition—he has everything at the moment."

Marquez’s resilience and Ducati transition

Espargaro highlighted Marquez’s resilience, noting that the eight-time world champion has overcome immense challenges to secure his seat at Ducati.

"He came from a very dark period," Espargaro explained. "He had to leave behind people who were very important to his sporting career—mechanics, technicians, and close team members. He made these sacrifices to be where he wanted to be, at Ducati’s factory team."

Now paired with Bagnaia, the runner-up in the 2024 season, Marquez faces a fresh challenge. Espargaro believes that Marquez will be the primary target for all competitors, including his own teammate.

Bagnaia’s calm approach to competition

Espargaro also analyzed Bagnaia’s personality and strategic approach, describing him as a more reserved rider who avoids unnecessary attention.

"Pecco has played a strategy of staying out of controversy, just like we saw last year," he noted. "He celebrated his world title with Jorge Martin in Barcelona, something I’ve never seen before—it was a remarkable display of sportsmanship."

Bagnaia’s measured approach, Espargaro suggested, is a sign of his intelligence and professionalism. "He controls his time, what he says, and how he presents himself. While he may have made some mistakes, he has the maturity to redeem himself and take responsibility when necessary."

However, Espargaro warned that Bagnaia will have to adapt quickly to Marquez’s psychological tactics, which extend beyond the racetrack.

Marquez’s mind games and strategic influence

Marquez is known for his ability to influence his rivals not only on the track but also in the paddock. According to Espargaro, Marquez’s strategic thinking is reminiscent of Valentino Rossi’s approach.

"Marc plays a lot outside the track, inside the box. He is very strategic—very similar to Valentino Rossi," Espargaro remarked. "This year, we will see a different Pecco, stronger and braver, because having Marc next to him will force him to step up and be more decisive."

Bagnaia’s home advantage in Ducati’s internal rivalry

While Marquez may have the edge in terms of experience, Espargaro pointed out that Bagnaia holds a key advantage—he is racing for an Italian team, supported by an Italian manufacturer.

"Pecco is playing at home, and that gives him an advantage," Espargaro said. "Marc, on the other hand, is a foreigner stepping into an Italian environment. He is the outsider in a team where Pecco has the backing of the fans and the factory."

Drawing a comparison to football, Espargaro emphasized how difficult it can be for an outsider to integrate into a new team. "It’s like playing an away game—the home team has the fans, the atmosphere, and the support. Marc has to fight hard to earn his place, while Pecco already has that foundation."

With both riders preparing for the upcoming season, the rivalry within Ducati is set to be one of the most compelling narratives in MotoGP 2025. How Bagnaia and Marquez handle the internal battle could shape the championship race, making Ducati’s garage the most closely watched in the paddock.

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