'Marquez has destroyed Bagnaia' claims former World Champion

11:30, 15 Feb

byAndrew McLarney

Julian Simon, the 2009 125cc World Champion has made the claim that Marquez's arrival at Ducati in 2025 has completely 'destoyed' Francesco Bagnaia, who suffered a huge dip in form last season.

The brutal assessment, which is not easy to deny, comes ahead of a 2026 season which many suspect could be Bagnaia's last in Ducati red as rumours a circulating that a deal has been done to sign KTM's Pedro Acosta.

Pecco, who was one of the clear contenders, [...] he's destroyed him.

- Julian Simon on Marc Marquez

Simon, who competed against Marquez briefly in Moto2, had the following to say:

"Marc is a beast, the rider I've feared the most [...] you could already see that spark [...] without a doubt the one he has feared the most." said the former rider, according to Spanish outlet LaSexta. "Marc has no limits, he is the hungriest rider I have ever seen, by far."

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

"Look at how he's made his comeback. He's been with Pecco, who was one of the clear contenders, and he's destroyed him." He continued.

"You can't look at yourself. You aspire to finish second behind him."

Whether the comments hold any weight for the two-time champion Bagnaia remains uncertain. The Italian has vowed to 'make life more difficult' for Marquez this season after finishing a distant fifth in the overall standings last year.