Cycle News

Cycle News 2025 Issue 03 January 22

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1531664

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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

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