Francesco Bagnaia opens up about his preferred teammate for upcoming season amid rumors around Marquez

For the first time, Francesco Bagnaia has named his preferred teammate for 2025. As the reigning MotoGP champion and Ducati’s top rider, he recently signed a lucrative contract with the Italian manufacturer. 

Currently, his teammate Enea Bastianini is competing with Pramac’s Jorge Martin and Gresini’s Marc Marquez for a spot on the official bike next year. When asked by Canal+ at the Catalunya MotoGP if he had any preference among Jorge, Marc, or Enea, Bagnaia shared his thoughts.

He said, Enea. My preference is Enea. I think we are doing a good job together. So, to continue like this. But we will see.” Notably, this is the second season Bagnaia and Bastianini have shared a box. In late 2022, Bastianini, then with Gresini Ducati, fiercely competed with Bagnaia, who was striving for Ducati’s first championship in 15 years. 

Who will join the factory Ducati?

Despite the intense rivalry, Bastianini earned a promotion to the factory team after securing the second-most wins that year, trailing only Bagnaia. Bastianini’s first year as a factory rider was marred by an injury in the opening round. 

Although he has displayed moments of brilliance since then, he faces stiff competition from the in-form Jorge Martin and the renowned Marc Marquez. Critics might interpret Bagnaia's preference for Bastianini to stay as a reluctance to face the tougher challenge posed by Martin or Marquez. 

However, Bagnaia, who clinched the championship with Bastianini as his teammate, remains Ducati’s star rider. Ducati has announced that a decision regarding whether Bastianini, Jorge Martin, or Marquez will be Bagnaia's teammate next season will be made by the Mugello race next weekend.