Pecco Bagnaia expects the MotoGP title contest between Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez to keep changing direction until Valencia. Martin left Japan with a narrow two-point lead over Marquez, leaving what is effectively a six-round championship showdown.

The next stop is Mandalika in Indonesia, a venue Bagnaia expects to be particularly difficult for Ducati. Australia should be one of Marquez’s strongest opportunities, in his assessment. Malaysia appears better suited to Martin, while Valencia is a more favourable track for Marquez. Qatar and Portimao therefore stand out as the two more neutral venues in the remaining schedule.

Bagnaia called the contest “fantastic” and said he hoped the best rider would prevail. The rivalry also has a recent history behind it. Martin lost the 2023 title to Bagnaia while racing for Pramac Ducati, then won the 2024 MotoGP championship with that team. Marquez subsequently claimed his seventh premier-class crown during his first season with Ducati Lenovo.

The championship fight is also unfolding during Bagnaia’s final season with the factory Ducati team. In 2027, he is set to replace Martin at the factory Aprilia operation, with Marco Bezzecchi joining him as team-mate.