In the high-octane world of MotoGP, where speed, skill, and strategy collide, the 2025 season is already shaping up to be a blockbuster, both on and off the track. At the heart of the drama is a simmering tension within the Ducati Lenovo Team, where reigning double world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia has publicly voiced his frustration over the reported higher salary of his new teammate, Marc Marquez. This revelation, which has sent shockwaves through the paddock, underscores the fierce competition and complex dynamics at play in one of MotoGP’s most dominant teams.
Bagnaia, the 27-year-old Italian who ended Ducati’s 15-year title drought in 2022 and defended his crown in 2023, is no stranger to pressure. His meteoric rise from Pr鸭 Pramac Racing to the factory team has cemented his status as Ducati’s golden boy. With a base salary reportedly around €7 million per season, plus performance bonuses that could push his earnings past €10 million, Bagnaia’s contract reflects his value as a two-time champion. Yet, the arrival of Marquez, the six-time MotoGP champion, has seemingly disrupted the financial hierarchy within the team. According to sources, Marquez’s two-year deal with Ducati, signed after his sensational move from Gresini Racing, commands a higher salary, a fact that has left Bagnaia visibly irked.
The tension came to light during a recent interview, where Bagnaia hinted at his discontent. “It’s not about the money itself, but the message it sends,” he reportedly said. “I’ve given everything to Ducati—two titles, consistency, and loyalty. To see someone new come in and earn more, it’s hard to swallow.” This candid admission has sparked debates among fans and analysts, with some arguing that Marquez’s marketability and proven track record justify the premium, while others believe Bagnaia’s contributions to Ducati’s recent dominance warrant top billing.
Marquez’s journey to Ducati’s factory team has been nothing short of cinematic. After a tumultuous stint with Honda, marred by injuries and an uncompetitive bike, the Spaniard made a bold move to Gresini Racing in 2024, riding a year-old Ducati. His immediate success, including seven wins out of eight races in 2025, silenced doubters and showcased his adaptability on the Desmosedici. Ducati’s decision to promote him over other contenders like Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini was a testament to his star power and on-track prowess. However, the financial package accompanying his move has raised eyebrows, particularly given Ducati’s shift toward performance-based bonuses rather than high base salaries.
The salary disparity is particularly striking when viewed in context. In 2024, Marquez earned a staggering $16 million at Honda, dwarfing Bagnaia’s $5 million at Ducati. While Marquez’s current Ducati salary is not publicly confirmed, insiders suggest it surpasses Bagnaia’s, potentially due to endorsements from sponsors like Red Bull, which align with Ducati’s commercial interests. This financial edge, coupled with Marquez’s aggressive riding style and relentless ambition, has fueled speculation about a potential power struggle within the team.
For Bagnaia, the issue extends beyond mere euros. As the rider who has molded Ducati’s factory team into a championship-winning machine, he values the cohesive “one team” atmosphere he’s cultivated with teammates like Bastianini. Marquez’s arrival, with his larger-than-life persona and history of intense rivalries, threatens to disrupt this harmony. Bagnaia has been vocal about his desire for Marquez to integrate into the team’s collaborative ethos, warning that any attempt to dominate the garage could fracture their title hopes. “We’re stronger as a unit,” Bagnaia emphasized. “Marc needs to understand that this is about Ducati winning, not just one rider.”
The implications of this rift are profound. Ducati’s 2025 lineup, boasting two riders with a combined 11 world titles, is a dream team on paper. Yet, the clash of egos and expectations could either propel them to unprecedented success or implode spectacularly. Marquez, ever the pragmatist, has downplayed the tension, acknowledging Bagnaia’s seniority. “Pecco’s the reference here, and that’s logical,” he said at the team’s 2025 bike launch. “But Ducati values all its riders equally, and I’m here to win.”
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Jerez, where the Spanish Grand Prix will serve as an early litmus test for this explosive partnership. Will Bagnaia channel his frustration into a dominant performance, reasserting his dominance? Or will Marquez’s hunger for a seventh premier-class title overshadow his teammate? One thing is certain: the Ducati garage will be the epicenter of MotoGP’s most compelling narrative in 2025.
The financial feud between Bagnaia and Marquez is more than a paycheck dispute—it’s a battle for legacy, respect, and supremacy. In a sport where milliseconds separate heroes from also-rans, this off-track drama promises to be as thrilling as the races themselves. As the engines roar to life, the world will watch to see if Ducati’s gamble on two titans pays off or backfires.
