Francesco Bagnaia reveals the ‘incredible’ thing Marc Marquez has done behind the scenes at Sepang Test

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Francesco Bagnaia was second fastest for Ducati on day two of MotoGP’s Sepang Test. Bagnaia logged 42 laps after a 90-minute stoppage during the session.

Ducati made changes to their bike after Bagnaia had a minor off at the final corner. The Italian seemed pleased with the results, clocking a 1:57.652 on his 35th attempt.

That left him around four-tenths off Franco Morbidelli, who set the pace for VR46. Morbidelli is riding the Desmosedici GP24 this season, but the teams won’t show their hand until the final day.

Bagnaia’s new Ducati teammate Marc Marquez was a fair way down the order in 14th. His lap count was similar (46), but he was around 1.2 seconds off the pace.

Marquez also crashed on Thursday, incurring greater damage than Bagnaia. They join the long list of big names to make mistakes during the test as they explore the limits of their machinery.

The six-time premier-class champion faces a unique challenge. He’s jumping two years ahead in spec, having ridden a GP23 at Gresini last year.

Francesco Bagnaia says Marc Marquez has the ‘same exact feeling’ about the Ducati bike

Speaking on MotoGP’s ‘After the Flag‘ show on Thursday, Bagnaia reported that he and Marquez were providing the same feedback behind the scenes. This is the ‘first time’ in his career that there has been complete consensus in the garage.

It’s a dream scenario for the Ducati engineers, who can now take the bike in a clear development direction. The Bologna outfit aren’t completely satisfied with their new engine at this stage.

The three European teams will be subject to an engine freeze before the 2027 regulation changes. Thus, the model Ducati choose this year will be locked in for their GP26 bike.

“Honestly, it’s incredible,” Bagnaia said. “For the first time in my career, I have the same exact feeling as my teammate. This is great.

“It’s helping the engineers a lot to develop. Both [of us] had a very good feeling with the new engine, but both have the same questions.”

Marc Marquez spoke to Ducati MotoGP boss over public criticism

Ducati manager Davide Tardozzi has shared Bagnaia’s true feelings on Marquez’s arrival. The double world champion was the big star last season next to Enea Bastianini.

Naturally, though, Marquez will somewhat overshadow him. He’s one of the most successful riders in the history of the sport.

Still, Tardozzi says that Bagnaia maintains total trust in Ducati. He believes that his new partner can help push the team forward, and his comments in Sepang reflect that optimism.

Tardozzi has previously questioned Marquez’s attitude, in particular his overly aggressive approach and his use of the tow in qualifying. But the 31-year-old spoke to him about his comments in private, and there was no damage done to their relationship.