Capirossi: "Ducati first candidate for the title, Pecco and Marc will be rivals"

Twenty-two years in the MotoGP and the experience of someone who knows he has one of the most potentially exciting championships in recent years ahead of him. Former rider Loris Capirossi talks about the 2025 two-wheel season a few days before the start of the season in Thailand, where Ducati's new golden couple promises fun and great rivalry.

Loris, there are only a few days left until the start of the season. What kind of championship do you expect?

"Honestly, I expect one of the most interesting World Championships in recent years. Ducati will be the number one candidate for the title and will do so with an exceptional pair, two very strong riders like Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, and the issue of managing two champions like them within the team will also be interesting."

Was Ducati right to choose to pair Marquez with Bagnaia?

"I think they definitely made the right choice, they couldn't let a rider like Marquez slip away. It's a brave decision, but Marc's talent is unquestionable and can't be ignored."

How complex is it to manage the balance of a team like Ducati this year?

"Before the start of the season, everything worked very well between the two. The fact that, with them, developments can go in one direction, because they give equal feedback, is certainly positive, but during the year the balance between them will be something completely different. I have raced for many years in the World Championship and I know very well that your first rival is always your teammate."

Will any other team be able to worry the Italian team a bit in 2025?

"I saw Aprilia very well. It's a shame for Jorge Martin who got hurt right away in the tests and will miss the first GP of the year, but with Marco Bezzecchi things went well and he had the chance to work on the bike and on development. In my opinion, in general, Aprilia could prove interesting".

There are many expectations for Pedro Acosta, how do you see him?

"He is one of those who make the difference. Last year he made a few mistakes due to his impetuosity, but if KTM gets back in line a bit he will take them to the top."

It will be a very demanding calendar in terms of travel and number of races. Has the maximum limit been reached?

"It's a very complex calendar especially because you always go outside Europe and this changes the travel. Then, with the fact that there are also sprint races, the championship is more physically demanding for the riders than in the past. On the other hand, however, the riders know that these choices increase interest and give visibility to their sport and I haven't heard too many complaints from them".