Pecco Bagnaia has been told that his issues extend beyond qualifying struggles as Marc Marquez continues to dominate the 2025 MotoGP season.
Marquez has stormed into the championship lead with seven wins from the opening eight races. Bagnaia’s only victory came in Texas, a race Marquez was leading before crashing out. In Qatar, Bagnaia couldn’t take advantage, qualifying 11th after a crash and finishing eighth in the sprint, once again trailing behind his new Ducati teammate.
Former rider and TNT Sports analyst Neil Hodgson emphasized that Bagnaia’s problems go deeper than his Saturday performance.
“Last year, he won more sprints than Jorge Martin, so it’s not just about Saturdays,” Hodgson said. “He hasn’t come close to beating Marc on a Sunday. He needs to be quicker from Friday morning onwards.”
Hodgson added that Bagnaia has yet to mount a serious challenge to Marquez this season. “He hasn’t even come close. If Marc hadn’t crashed in Texas, we’d be talking about eight straight wins.”
Despite being the reigning two-time champion, Bagnaia appears unsettled, according to Hodgson.
“He’s friendly with Marc, and it feels like he’s already accepted defeat. This is Pecco’s team, his garage, and yet he’s being overshadowed. He’s incredible, but right now, he’s being outclassed.”
Bagnaia’s crash in Qatar qualifying was viewed as a minor error during an otherwise strong lap, but Hodgson believes focusing solely on qualifying would be missing the bigger picture.
“He was two tenths under when he tucked the front. But qualifying isn’t the only issue. He needs to find at least three more tenths – Marc has that pace in reserve.”
Marquez currently holds a 17-point lead over his brother Alex Marquez in the standings. Bagnaia is 26 points behind Marc, but the upcoming European rounds, starting in Spain from April 25-27, could provide an opportunity for a reset.
“Jerez has been a strong track for Pecco, but Marc also excels there,” said Hodgson. “Last year, Marc nearly beat him there riding a slower 2023 Ducati. Now he goes into Jerez as the clear favourite.”
