In the world of MotoGP, rivalries are not limited to pure competition on the track, but often extend to real psychological battles. And who better than Valentino Rossi can understand the pitfalls of a mental duel with Marc Marquez? The Doctor recently issued a clear and direct warning to Pecco Bagnaia, advising him not to fall into the same “trap” that marked his path to the title in 2015.

2025 is set to be a key year for MotoGP, with increasingly fierce competition and the return of Marc Marquez in top form. Pecco Bagnaia, the current world champion with Ducati, knows he is facing a difficult season, and Rossi has warned his former protégé of the psychological influence the Spanish talent can have on his rivals.

“Marc is a master at playing with the minds of his rivals. I experienced it myself in 2015 and I know what it means to lose a title for reasons that go beyond pure speed on the track,” Rossi said in an exclusive interview. “Pecco must stay focused on his race, without being distracted by psychological games or strategies that can undermine his confidence.”

Rossi’s reference to the tragic 2015 season is no coincidence. That championship was marked by a heated clash between him and Marquez, culminating in the famous contact at Sepang and the controversial penalty that forced the nine-time world champion to start from last position in Valencia, effectively handing the title to Jorge Lorenzo.

Today, with Marquez ready to challenge the top of the category again, the danger of a mental duel looms again. “Pecco has all the credentials to win again, but he must learn from the mistakes of the past. He must not allow Marc to influence him, he must remain lucid and focused on what really matters: the track and his speed”, added Rossi.

Pecco Bagnaia has always proven to be a rational and cool rider under pressure, but the challenge with Marquez in 2025 could prove tougher than expected. With a championship that promises to be heated and rivals increasingly fierce, Rossi’s advice could make the difference.

MotoGP fans are eagerly waiting to see how this new rivalry will evolve. Will Bagnaia be able to avoid Marquez’s “psychological trap” and defend his title? Or will we witness another drama worthy of the 2015 season? 2025 promises to be a rollercoaster!