By MotoTrack Weekly | May 21, 2025
The 2025 MotoGP season is heating up, but for reigning world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the fire might be burning a little too hot—and not in his favor.
After a string of lackluster performances, an untimely DNF in Jerez, and increasing pressure from fierce rivals like Jorge Martín, Pedro Acosta, and Marc Márquez, fans and pundits alike are beginning to ask the uncomfortable question: Is it already over for Bagnaia’s title hopes?
A Rocky Start to the Season
Coming off back-to-back world championships in 2022 and 2023, Bagnaia entered 2025 with momentum, confidence, and arguably the strongest package on the grid with the factory Ducati team. But things haven’t gone according to plan.
Out of the first seven races, Bagnaia has finished on the podium just twice—and only one of those was a win. Costly errors in wet conditions, tire strategy mishaps, and increased inconsistency have kept him from showing the dominant form that defined his championship runs.
As of Round 7, he sits fifth in the standings, trailing leader Jorge Martín by 57 points—a gap that, while not insurmountable, is growing more daunting with every race.
Rivals Rising
If Bagnaia’s form is shaky, the competition is anything but. Jorge Martín, rejuvenated and razor-sharp on the Pramac Ducati, is riding like a man possessed. Meanwhile, rookie sensation Pedro Acosta continues to turn heads with fearless overtakes and mature racecraft well beyond his years.
Then there’s Marc Márquez—now back to something close to peak performance—who has shown that experience and raw determination are still a threat to even the most finely tuned machines.
“The grid is the most competitive we’ve ever seen,” said MotoGP analyst Simon Crafar. “If you’re not at your best, even for a few races, you can wave goodbye to the title.”
Time to Panic?
Not quite—at least, not yet.
There are still 13 races to go, including circuits where Bagnaia traditionally thrives—like Mugello and Misano. If he can turn things around quickly and string together a few strong results, he could claw his way back into the title fight.
But that margin for error? It’s gone.
“He doesn’t need miracles,” said former champion Casey Stoner in a recent interview. “But he does need urgency. If Pecco wants this title, he has to fight like every race is the last.”
Verdict: Too Early to Call, But Dangerously Close
Bagnaia is a world-class rider. His composure, race management, and synergy with Ducati are undeniable. But in a season where the level is this high and the field this deep, even a slight drop in form can spell disaster.
If the next two or three races don’t go his way, the reigning champ may have no choice but to shift focus from defending the crown to rebuilding for 2026.
So, can Pecco Bagnaia already say goodbye to the world title? Not yet—but the clock is ticking, and the silence from the top step is growing louder.
