Janice R. Andrews
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati’s star MotoGP rider, believes his 2024 campaign is on par with Marc Marquez’s dominant 2019 season—when sprint races are excluded. Speaking on a podcast hosted by Andrea Migno, Bagnaia highlighted the extraordinary achievements of his season despite significant challenges.
A Year of Speed and Challenges
Bagnaia displayed phenomenal skill on the factory Ducati, winning 11 of 20 Grands Prix and securing podiums in five additional races. However, his season was marred by crashes and bad luck, particularly during sprint races. These setbacks enabled Jorge Martin, riding a Pramac GP24, to edge him out for the title by a narrow 10-point margin.
Despite the heartbreak, Bagnaia emphasized his impressive consistency in full-length Sunday races. “Apart from the times I crashed or was thrown off, I’ve always finished in the top three, except in Austin, where I came fifth,” said the two-time MotoGP champion.
Comparing to Marquez’s Dominance
Bagnaia drew comparisons to Marquez’s iconic 2019 season, often regarded as one of the greatest in MotoGP history. Marquez won 12 of 19 Grands Prix that year, finishing every race—except one—in the top two and securing his sixth championship with 420 points, a 151-point lead over Andrea Dovizioso.
Reflecting on his own season, Bagnaia said, “If you take away the sprints, it’s on par with Marc Marquez’s in 2019.” His assessment is supported by numbers: Bagnaia scored 498 points in 2024, including 116 from sprints. Without sprint points, he would have outpaced Martin by 24 points in Sunday races, showcasing his dominance in traditional race formats.
Lessons and Looking Forward
Bagnaia acknowledged his own mistakes played a role in losing the title but expressed pride in his team’s ability to unlock the Ducati’s full potential after a slow start. “It took us four races to understand the bike, but everything was incredible from Jerez onward,” he noted.
As Bagnaia prepares to join forces with Marc Marquez at Ducati in 2025, the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling chapter in MotoGP. With valuable lessons learned and unwavering determination, Bagnaia is poised to reclaim the championship and further solidify his place among the sport’s elite.
