Francesco Bagnaia on challenge of being Marc Marquez's team-mate: "Need to step up"

Ducati Lenovo rider Francesco Bagnaia has opened up on the difficulties involved with his team-mate Marc Marquez, who has dominated the start of the 2025 season.

Although Bagnaia clinched the win in the last three Spanish Grands Prix, he still feels he needs to make a step forward this season. While speaking to the media in Jerez, Spain, Bagnaia explained:

“This time I have to do a step. I love the track and the last three GPs here were very nice. Last year the battle with Marc was intense, but this year he’s feeling better and his competitiveness is increased. So I need to raise my level again.

“I believe that I can fight, I can battle for the win. The potential I have is good enough to fight, but Marc is doing everything perfectly. To beat him, you need to be a step in front - and even then, it’s still difficult.

“Marc is in a situation where he knows he can also finish second without risking too much,” he added.

“But he’s a rider that normally doesn’t want to finish second. If I win, it’s also because the improvements we’ve made are starting to work.”

Closely following Marc Marquez in the standings is his brother, Alex Marquez. The latter is just 17 points behind the championship leader in the riders' championship.

Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team

Photo by: MotoGP

When asked if he felt he could capitalise on the Spanish riders' rivalry, Bagnaia explained:

“They are brothers and they are fighting for an amazing objective - to win the title. Alex is doing a fantastic job to equalise the performance every weekend, and Marc is the one who has felt better in the last few races, winning them.

"In terms of points, they are close, but I don't think they will start to argue with each other because they are brothers. Maybe they will discuss it at home, continuing to be professionals on the track. I don't think either of them will do something stupid if the other has the chance to win."