As the 2025 MotoGP season continues to unfold, one of the most captivating rivalries in the championship has emerged between Pecco Bagnaia and Alex Marquez. With the season already underway and Marc Marquez establishing himself as a formidable contender, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Pecco Bagnaia or Alex Marquez will prove to be the stronger rider as they push forward, particularly after the upcoming race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The answer to this question may very well define the trajectory of their seasons and the championship as a whole.

Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, started the 2025 season with high expectations. However, the early rounds have been far from ideal for the Italian Ducati rider. Despite having a competitive bike and considerable talent, Bagnaia has been unable to match the pace of his rivals, including Marc Marquez, who has dominated the first two races. Bagnaia’s struggles became particularly apparent at the Argentina Grand Prix, where he finished a distant fourth and now trails Marquez by 31 points in the standings. The gap in points is concerning for Bagnaia, especially considering how early it is in the season.

The difficulties Bagnaia faces are multifaceted. On one hand, his bike, the Ducati GP24, has proven to be fast and capable, but Bagnaia’s sensitivity to the bike’s setup has become a challenge. Unlike Marquez, who is known for his adaptability and ability to extract the maximum performance from any bike, Bagnaia has shown that he requires a nearly perfect setup to perform at his best. This sensitivity has led to frustration, as the balance of his Ducati hasn’t quite matched his expectations. While Ducati continues to work on improvements, including the introduction of a new chassis, the solution hasn’t come quickly enough to make a significant impact on Bagnaia’s results.

In contrast, Alex Marquez, a relative newcomer to the factory Ducati setup, has been enjoying a strong start to the 2025 season. His performances have been impressive, and he has quickly become one of the key challengers for the championship. Marquez’s performances in Argentina were particularly noteworthy, as he consistently challenged his more experienced brother Marc and finished close to the podium in both races. With just 16 points separating the two Marquez brothers in the championship standings after the opening two rounds, Alex Marquez has firmly established himself as a serious contender.

Alex’s rise has been fueled by his ability to adapt quickly to the Ducati GP24. While Bagnaia has struggled with the bike’s setup, Alex has made significant strides, leveraging his experience and understanding of what he needs from the bike to extract the maximum potential. His consistent performances and ability to keep up with Marc Marquez, who has shown early dominance in the season, suggest that Alex is ready to challenge the top spots in the championship.

The dynamics between Bagnaia and Alex Marquez have added an exciting element to the 2025 season. As it stands, Alex appears to be in better form, having demonstrated greater consistency and adaptability with his Ducati compared to Bagnaia. While Bagnaia has the experience of being the reigning champion, it’s Alex who seems to be on the rise, steadily closing the gap with his brother Marc and positioning himself as a potential title contender. The question remains whether Bagnaia can overcome his struggles with the bike setup and find the consistency needed to challenge both Marc and Alex.

Looking ahead to the COTA race, the conditions are likely to further expose the strengths and weaknesses of both riders. The Circuit of the Americas is known for its technical complexity, which tests a rider’s skill and bike setup to the limit. It’s a track where both Bagnaia and Alex will need to be at their best to contend for the podium. For Bagnaia, this race represents a critical opportunity to turn his season around. If he can find the rhythm he has been searching for and get the bike working to his liking, COTA could be the turning point he needs. On the other hand, Alex Marquez will be aiming to continue his upward trajectory, building on his strong start to the season and taking advantage of any opportunity to challenge the more experienced riders.

The rivalry between Bagnaia and Alex Marquez is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of the season. While Bagnaia has the advantage of being the reigning world champion, Alex has the momentum, and his performances so far have proven that he is not to be underestimated. If Bagnaia is unable to solve his bike setup issues and find the consistency he needs, Alex could very well emerge as the stronger rider in the 2025 championship battle. It’s a rivalry that adds intrigue to every race, and as the season progresses, the dynamics between the two riders will undoubtedly continue to evolve.

In the end, the outcome of this rivalry may depend on the ability of each rider to adapt and evolve as the season moves forward. Bagnaia’s challenge lies in overcoming his struggles with the Ducati bike and finding the form that won him the championship last year. For Alex Marquez, the challenge will be to maintain his upward momentum and continue to improve as he faces off against some of the sport’s most experienced riders. The COTA race is just one of many tests that lie ahead, but it could prove to be the defining moment in determining which of these two riders is truly the strongest at this point in the 2025 season.