Valentino Rossi, the legendary MotoGP rider and team owner, has thrown his weight behind Pecco Bagnaia, urging Ducati to match his protege's determination to turn around their fortunes. Rossi's comments come in the wake of Bagnaia's emotional and challenging 2025 season, which has seen him struggle to replicate the success he had in 2022 and 2023. Despite his best efforts, Bagnaia has been unable to regain his position as Ducati's lead rider, with Marc Marquez's arrival last year marking a turning point. Rossi, who has been a mentor and a source of support for Bagnaia, believes that the Italian rider is still capable of winning with Ducati, but he is concerned about the commitment and effort being shown by the manufacturer.
In a rare public appearance at the Catalan Grand Prix, Rossi praised Bagnaia's 'really good attitude' and 'determination to win again with Ducati'. He highlighted the rider's hard work and dedication, noting that he has been giving it his all in training. However, Rossi also expressed his concern about the relationship between Bagnaia and Ducati, drawing a parallel to a marriage where things have cooled off due to a lack of results and communication. He believes that Ducati needs to put in the same effort as Bagnaia to try and return to the front, as the potential to win again is still there.
The tension between Bagnaia and Ducati has been evident in recent races, with the rider experiencing technical issues and crashes. Despite supplier Brembo's insistence that no anomalies were found on the braking system, Bagnaia has claimed that the issues have been resolved. Rossi's comments suggest that he is aware of the underlying issues and is calling for a more committed approach from Ducati. He believes that the manufacturer needs to step up and show the same level of determination as Bagnaia if they are to regain their dominance in the sport.
In my opinion, Rossi's comments are a powerful statement of support for Bagnaia and a call to action for Ducati. The relationship between rider and manufacturer is a delicate one, and it is clear that Bagnaia is doing everything he can to succeed. However, without the backing and commitment of Ducati, his chances of winning another title may be slim. Rossi's comments also highlight the importance of communication and transparency in such relationships, as well as the need for both parties to be willing to put in the effort to make things work. It will be interesting to see how Ducati responds to Rossi's comments and whether they will take steps to improve their relationship with Bagnaia. Personally, I think that Ducati has the potential to turn things around, but it will take a significant effort and a willingness to listen to the rider's concerns. Only time will tell if they will be able to regain their dominance in the sport.
