It’s almost absurd and paradoxical that, less than a year later, Pecco has gone from being the most successful rider in MotoGP to “going backwards”: but the statistics show it’s not a lack of talent.
Many people, unfortunately, are now doubting Pecco Bagnaia’s talent. “Marc Marquez is too strong,” “It’s all thanks to the bike”: these are just some of the many negative comments the rider from Chivasso is, in our view unfairly, being subjected to.
We already said it yesterday: this is NOT the real Pecco Bagnaia, and a champion like him now just has to hold on. Hold on, just like in Olly’s song “Il Campione”, resisting a Ducati that no longer seems to be the happy island Pecco once enjoyed.
But there is one figure that proves what we are saying: to think that today’s version is Bagnaia’s real level implies a serious lack of motorcycle racing culture. In fact, no experienced insider has any doubt about the qualities of the rider from Turin.
Pecco’s Outburst on Spanish TV
But let’s go in order: starting from Bagnaia’s statements to DAZN, where for the first time his frustration truly went public:
- Bagnaia: “I hope they give me explanations.”
- Izaskun Ruiz: “Are you talking about Ducati?”
- Bagnaia: “Yes.”
- Izaskun Ruiz: “Are you losing patience?”
- Bagnaia: “Yes.”
Three short lines that hardly need any explanation.
Bagnaia vs Marquez, 2024 vs 2025: No Gap at All!
So, let the data speak. By comparing the race times set in 2024 and 2025 by the respective winners, we find the following situation:
- 2024 – Pecco Bagnaia winner in 42’11”173 (race held on August 18th with around 26°C temperature)
- 2025 – Marc Marquez winner in 42’11”006 (race held on August 17th with around 24°C temperature)
We’re talking about a difference of 173 thousandths over 28 laps completed in 42 minutes of racing. In other words… with last year’s race pace, hypothetically speaking, Pecco Bagnaia would have easily been fighting for the win.
And yes, it’s obvious that comparing two different races is difficult because of circumstances. But to justify the performance with a quick “Maybe Pecco was just a bit off today”, as Gigi Dall’Igna did, feels reductive towards someone who — as every expert in this sport knows — didn’t finish eighth simply because of a bad sporting performance.
On the contrary, this year Pecco Bagnaia finished the GP 12 seconds behind Marquez, and therefore 12 seconds slower than his own race time from last year.
Twelve seconds over 28 laps: for those who know this sport, that figure alone sounds almost absurd.
But if Pecco Bagnaia, known for his elegance, calmness and composure, publicly admits he is losing patience, then maybe this situation is far more intricate than just a simple “off day.” Ma se Pecco Bagnaia, noto per la sua eleganza, calma e pacatezza, ammette pubblicamente di star perdendo la pazienza, allora forse la situazione è più intricata di una semplice prestazione sottotono. But if Pecco Bagnaia, known for his elegance, calmness and composure, publicly admits he is losing patience, then maybe this situation is far more intricate than just a simple “off day.”
Photo: Ducati Corse
