Photo: Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
What are Bagnaia and Martin up to during their break?
Eliška Ryšánková
News.GP journalist who’s all about the thrilling worlds of MotoGP and Formula 1.
Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin are keeping busy during the MotoGP off-season in unique ways. Bagnaia embraced tradition with a Vatican visit to meet Pope Francis, while Martin hit the motocross track with the Marquez brothers, staying sharp for the 2025 season.
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The MotoGP season may have ended, but the sport’s top riders are far from idle. While Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin are preparing for the next season in different ways, their off-season activities reflect their personalities and opportunities.
Bagnaia Meets Pope Francis at the Vatican
Francesco Bagnaia, the two-time MotoGP champion and runner-up in the 2024 championship, used part of his break for a moment of reflection and honor. He was received by Pope Francis at the Vatican, an event organized to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
Accompanied by his wife, Domizia, Bagnaia presented Pope Francis with a special edition of Gazzetta Dello Sport, which celebrated his 2022 title win. Bagnaia’s victory that year was historic as he became the first Italian to win a MotoGP championship on an Italian bike. The meeting was an emotional moment for Bagnaia, who expressed gratitude through an Instagram post:
The Vatican visit underscores Bagnaia’s deep connection to his roots and the significant role of Italian motorcycling in his career, having started his Grand Prix journey with the FMI in 2013.
Jorge Martin Keeps It Active on the Motocross Track
While Bagnaia embraced history and tradition, Jorge Martin hit the dirt for some high-energy training. Fresh off securing his first MotoGP title with Pramac Racing, Martin joined brothers Marc and Alex Marquez for motocross sessions at the El Bunker Motoarea track near Madrid.
Martin rode a KTM 125SX two-stroke, showcasing his adaptability on various machines. The training aligns with his preparations for the 2025 season, where he faces new challenges, including a move to Aprilia after losing the chance to secure a factory Ducati seat.
The Marquez brothers also showed their versatility on the track. Marc Marquez, transitioning into the factory Ducati team next year, rode a Honda CRF450R, though speculation hints at a potential Ducati motocross bike in the future. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez continues with Ducati, switching to the GP24 model.
