Bagnaia on Marquez’s restrictions: “Nobody knows the reality!”

Ducati works rider Pecco Bagnaia is hoping to get back on track at his home Grand Prix in Misano following two disappointing race weekends at Silverstone and Aragon. However, it is likely that his Ducati team-mates Marc Marquez, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez, in particular, will put in a strong performance at the Italian circuit – as will the Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez. Ai Ogura is out due to injury.

In recent years, the Ducati Desmosedici has been the bike to beat at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. This year, the manufacturer from Borgo Panigale faces an equal opponent in Aprilia. Bagnaia therefore fondly recalls the glory days when he was battling for the World Championship title on the Italian bike. “The potential the Ducati had in 2024 was unbeatable. Today there are four of us riding a GP26, but if we had four GP24s now, we’d still be right up there,” Bagnaia is certain. “I can still remember very clearly the potential we had in this race here two years ago. Sure, Aprilia has improved, but Ducati has also taken a step backwards. Perhaps we can battle it out with them (Aprilia) this weekend.”

A few days ago, Márquez posted a shirtless photo on social media in which the extent of his injury woes is clearly visible. The numerous operations on his right arm and shoulder have left their mark. The Spaniard captioned it “unposted”, meaning “not published”. Márquez has emphasised on several occasions that his right arm is no longer the same after all the operations. On some circuits, such as Silverstone, this hinders him, whilst on others – such as Aragon – he doesn’t seem to feel any limitations. By posting the photo, the 33-year-old wanted to put an end to the rumours and speculation, as he emphasised on Thursday at the press conference ahead of the race weekend.

Das Foto, das Marquez vor einigen Tagen auf Social Media veröffentlichte

Foto: Marc Marquez/Instagram

Bagnaia on Márquez: “He showed me this picture before the Aragon GP”

To what extent was Pecco Bagnaia aware of the extent of his team-mate’s injuries – before he saw this picture? “It’s hard to judge that from the outside. But it’s also no secret that Marc has a very good poker face. Nobody knows the reality,” the Italian emphasised. “But it’s incredible what he’s doing. With seven operations on one arm, it’s normal to be limited. In that respect, it’s admirable how he approaches the race weekends. He showed me this picture before the Aragon GP – it’s indescribable what he’s going through. Given that, he’s doing a brilliant job. I don’t know to what extent he’s restricted, though. Sometimes he’s very strong, sometimes he’s just managing the damage. But he’s doing fantastic things.”

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Is he surprised that MM93 is now being so open about his situation on social media? The nine-time champion is usually reticent about his injuries in public and with the media – just like Bagnaia. “I have a different approach to social media – I’m completely different from many riders in that respect,” the 29-year-old clarified. “I prefer to keep certain things private. There are many things people don’t know about me.”