Francesco Bagnaia leaps to challenge Yamaha supremacy in MotoGP's most intense battle against Marc Marquez on Ducati
Photo by Steve Wobser/Getty Images Bagnaia addresses Rossi’s theory about Ducati’s struggles. Francesco Bagnaia has responded to Valentino Rossi’s claim that his issues at Ducati have come as a result of Marc Marquez’s prowess on equal machinery. Bagnaia struggled last season, even though he was riding the same bike that Marc Marquez made look so dominant.
It ended up being his toughest year since joining the team in 2021. He tried turning things around by seeking advice from everyone he could, including Casey Stoner, who offered tips that helped him at Motegi but didn’t lead to a lasting improvement. Rossi recently joined other Hall of Famers for a discussion where he suggested that Bagnaia was “psychologically” affected by how well Marquez handled the Ducati last season.
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images How Francesco Bagnaia reacted to claims from Valentino Rossi Ahead of the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring, Bagnaia denied any psychological impact stemming from Marquez’s performance. Francesco Bagnaia says he didn’t ‘suffer’ because of Marc Marquez in response to Valentino Rossi. Bagnaia was asked about Rossi’s comments during an interview with GPOne ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Italian, who has consistently dismissed any suggestion that Ducati favoured their factory riders, also pushed back against the idea that Márquez was to blame for his struggles. “Marc came along and dominated,” Bagnaia said. “There’s nothing you can say to him.
I couldn’t get to grips with a bike that had changed from the previous year, when it was perfect. “I was in real trouble; I didn’t suffer because of Marc, but because I couldn’t fulfil my potential. ” Reflecting on whether he took anything away from last season during the winter break, Bagnaia added: “You always learn.