Pecco Bagnaia expressed feelings of frustration and humiliation following another tough MotoGP Sprint at Misano, describing the issues with his Ducati as substantial. The two-time MotoGP champion, who was competing in his last home race for Ducati, managed only a 13th-place finish, improving by just one spot from his worst-ever qualifying result at the track. This continued a points drought stretching back to the Sachsenring race in July.
Bagnaia noted that, despite feeling slightly better in the morning session, his performance failed to improve when using a new soft rear tire during qualifying, as it offered the same grip as an older tire. He emphasized the stark contrast between the way his bike behaves compared to other Ducatis, a difference he and his team cannot yet explain. Trying his utmost during the race, Bagnaia admitted feeling deeply disheartened by the situation but remained committed to giving his best for Ducati and his fans.
To illustrate the problem, Bagnaia referenced a MotoGP social media clip where he lost rear grip entering a corner during a slow lap, something that never happened with previous bikes between 2019 and 2024. Instead, his Ducati has been acting unusually, especially in the last three Grands Prix.
When discussing his approach, Bagnaia said he focuses on pushing hard and staying positive in the garage. However, he acknowledged that performance gains haven’t materialized, and unlike when he was winning, he no longer feels the difference between tire compounds or conditions—highlighting the severity of the problem.
Fan Take:
This development is critical for MotoGP fans because Bagnaia’s struggles hint at deeper issues within Ducati’s bike performance, potentially shaking up the championship dynamics. How the team addresses these challenges could shape the future competitiveness of one of the sport’s leading manufacturers and redefine the battle at the front.
Source: www.crash.net
