Talking MotoGP 2025
T
he countdown to MotoGP
testing is officially underway
as several teams launched their
rider lineups and colors ahead of
the Malaysian shakedown, which
gets underway on January 31.
Of chief interest was Ducati's
factory effort. With its riders
sharing 11 World titles and 90
MotoGP race wins between them,
Bologna can rightfully call its ros
-
ter of Pecco Bagnaia and Marc
Marquez the "dream team," with
the pair fully expected to be the
chief championship contenders.
Bagnaia was in no doubt. As
the Jorge Martin and Aprilia
combination is still unproven,
and KTM is submerged in
doubts regarding its future in
the class, the eight-time World
Champion who will occupy the
other side of the garage will be
the benchmark.
Speaking in Ducati's official
clothing for the first time at a
launch in Madonna di Campiglio
in Northern Italy, Marquez played
down expectations for the year
ahead, insisting that his aim is "to
be in the top three" at the end of
the year while getting to know his
new surroundings. Yet Bagnaia
looked at the eight-time champ's
achievements in 2024 as reason
to fear him most this time around.
"From what we saw last year,
I think Marc will be the main
contender," said the Italian. "He
has one more year of experience
with our bike. The new bike will
suit him much better. He was
already doing an amazing job [in
2024]. We'll have to see during
the season how the others are.
But now, looking at the cham
-
pionship, I think it'll be us two
fighting and then someone else.
But the main two are us."
"Harmony" was a keyword
used at the presentation by
Sporting Director Mauro Gras-
silli, who emphasized both
riders will work together for
the good of the team. Marquez
even opined the most important
achievement in 2025 is to en
-
WIND
IN THE
P32
It's widely believed
the 2025 MotoGP
Championship will
boil down to two
riders: Francesco
Bagnaia (pictured)
and Marc Marquez.
Time will soon tell.
PHOTO: GOLD & GOOSE