Pecco Bagnaia is heading into his strongest circuit of the season in Qatar, where he has the chance to beat Marc Marquez head-to-head for the first time in 2025 — a result that could shift the entire title momentum.
Fresh off a vital win at the Americas Grand Prix in Texas, Bagnaia capitalized on a rare error by teammate Marc Marquez, who crashed out from the lead. That win not only reignited Bagnaia’s title hopes but also showcased the return of his signature riding style.
Alex Marquez now leads the standings after three consecutive P2 finishes, with Pecco trailing by 12 points and Marc sitting one point behind his brother.
Looking ahead to Qatar, experts believe it’s a track that plays directly into Bagnaia’s strengths. Michael Laverty of TNT Sports said:
“Marc made a mistake and Pecco was right there to take it. He finally beat Alex for the first time this season – that’s a huge confidence boost.”
Laverty added that Bagnaia’s corner speed and ability to manage the front end of the bike have returned, which were missing in Thailand and Argentina.
Sylvain Guintoli praised Bagnaia’s aggressive ride in Texas:
“He pushed Marc, kept him under pressure – that’s racing at its best. A great job by Pecco.”
Qatar, with its flowing right-handers in Sector 3, is considered “Pecco’s territory”. If he can beat Marquez here, Laverty says, it could be the psychological edge Bagnaia needs heading into Europe.
The next stops on the calendar after Qatar are Jerez, Le Mans, and Silverstone – tracks where momentum could make all the difference.
