MotoGP News: Pecco Bagnaia Takes A Jab At Marc Marquez - 'Mental Games Are Useless With Me'

Saajan Jogia | Jul 27, 2024

Apr 13, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Marc Marquez (93) of Spain and Gresini Racing MotoGP celebrates with his medal after he finishes in second place in the Americas Grand Prix sprint race at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Ducati rider Pecco Bagnaia told the press that "mental games" won't affect him when asked about the psychological tactics Marc Marquez might employ when the Spaniard joins him next year.

This season, a championship battle is unfolding as Bagnaia and Marquez compete on different machinery. Bagnaia leads the MotoGP championship heading into next weekend’s return at Silverstone, holding a 10-point lead over second-placed Martin and a 56-point advantage over third-placed Marquez. Bagnaia's dominance is evident, having won three out of the past four races.

Marquez earned a place on Ducati's 2025 official team, landing a spot on the most sought-after bike in the sport alongside Bagnaia. This creates a star-studded duo for Ducati's factory team, although it could lead to a championship rivalry between the two riders.

When asked by TNT Sports if he has begun to consider what it will be like to have Marquez alongside him, he said:

“I will start thinking about it next year. We know his talent.

“But he’s no different to Martin who is also fast. It will be important to work well, with the same atmosphere in the box.

“On track it’s different - you have to fight with your teammate.”

Bagnaia was asked if he considered the psychological games that Marquez might employ against him. He said:

“Honestly, not much.

“My strong point is the mental side. Mental games are useless with me.”

Speaking of the current MotoGP season, Bagnaia revealed that the battle is presently at its highest level. He added:

“It’s the highest level we’ve ever had.

“We are six or seven tenths faster at every track. Martin is in great shape, Marc is doing a good job.

“Acosta, Vinales, many riders in the second half of the championship with their contracts signed are more free to ride.”

TNT Sports’ Sylvain Guintoli revealed his analysis:

“Pecco is a silent assassin.

“He’s calm, cool and collected. In Jerez, the fight with Marquez, he’s not afraid of contact.

“That contest next year will be great. We’ll see how Pecco reacts when Marquez beats him, and vice versa.”