“HE FORCED ME TO DO IT” Bagnaia reveals the truth behind Ducati’s internal affairs at recent races at Marc Marquez’s request 😯
It all began with tension simmering beneath Ducati’s polished exterior, where whispers of internal unrest have surfaced amid Marc Márquez’s astonishing dominance in the 2025 MotoGP season. Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the two-time world champion, finally broke his silence in a startling confession framed by a carefully chosen phrase: “He forced me to do it.” This candid remark, made at the instigation of his teammate and rival Márquez, unravels the intricate dynamics playing out behind closed doors at Borgo Panigale.
Bagnaia’s telling revelation followed a particularly trying weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he retired mid-race due to suspected rear tyre problems, while Márquez cruised to a commanding victory. At the time, Bagnaia publicly admitted his frustration, saying, “I hope Ducati can explain this to me, because I’m running out of patience.” The significance of these words echoed throughout Ducati’s operations, prompting the team to engage in a frank debrief, during which tensions were said to be acknowledged—but not exacerbated.
Delving deeper into this episode, Bagnaia’s recent remarks outline a moment of emotional pressure: it was during this wave of frustration that Márquez, aware of his team-mate’s plight, apparently influenced Bagnaia’s candor—leading him to express his grievances so bluntly. Bagnaia’s cryptic statement, “He forced me to do it,” is not a literal accusation of coercion but rather reflects the immense psychological weight he felt under Ducati’s heated competitive environment and the unyielding figure of Márquez.
Indeed, several Ducati insiders have acknowledged the pressure on Bagnaia. General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna publicly emphasized his unwavering belief in Pecco’s potential to recover, citing “unfortunate incidents” as factors behind recent setbacks. Team Manager Davide Tardozzi echoed the sentiment, highlighting the team’s full confidence in Bagnaia’s capabilities and reassuring him of his central role within Ducati’s plans.
Their reassurances, however, come amid Márquez’s meteoric resurgence. With nine Grand Prix wins and 12 Sprint victories from the first 13 rounds, he leads the championship by a significant margin—behind him Alex Márquez and Bagnaia trail. In contrast, Bagnaia’s best result last month was securing his first pole position of the season at the Czech Grand Prix, a glimpse of what might still be possible.
This stark contrast has fueled discussions within Ducati’s garage. Some insiders have hinted that Bagnaia is perceived as “below expectations” given his track record, a notion discussed candidly by former rider Sete Gibernau, who revealed that the sentiment was prevalent among technicians. Still, Ducati’s leadership insists they remain committed to both riders, recognizing that internal rivalry is also a catalyst for innovation and performance.
Beyond the numbers, Bagnaia’s admission illuminates the emotional toll of internal competition. The phrase “He forced me to do it” signifies more than a moment of heated candidness—it symbolizes the immense pressure of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a decorated rival, while still striving to outperform not just the opposition, but fate itself.
At the Belgian-Spanish intersection of technical challenges and psychological strain, Ducati finds itself navigating the delicate balance between supporting its star champion and keeping faith in their resilient underdog. Bagnaia’s words cut through the glamour: MotoGP is as much a mental game as it is a physical pursuit, and sometimes, a single phrase carries the weight of an entire season.
As the championship heads towards its decisive phase, with Marc Márquez seemingly heading for yet another title, Ducati will need to ensure Bagnaia’s confidence is restored—not just as a pilot, but as a champion worthy of the red factory bike.
