Roberto Locatelli ‘saddened’ by what ‘insiders’ are saying about Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia, ‘think again…’

Add as preferred source on Google

Francesco Bagnaia kickstarted his 2025 MotoGP title bid by winning the Grand Prix of the Americas at COTA but the Ducati ace still faced some scepticism in Austin, Texas.

The 28-year-old endured a frustrating start to the season despite Bagnaia penning his most prolific start to any premier class term. Marc Marquez dominating from the off for the works Ducati team after winning the Thailand and Argentina Sprints and Grands Prix hid the Italian.

Never before had Bagnaia started as well as he had this year with his P3 results in both races at Buriram plus P4 and P3 over the Termas meets. The two-time champion also got P3 in the Austin Sprint before Bagnaia punished Marquez crashing out of the lead of the Americas GP.

Roberto Locatelli ‘saddened’ that ‘insiders’ doubt Francesco Bagnaia feels better on his Ducati bike

Marquez’s results at the start of the 2025 MotoGP season cast a shadow over Bagnaia, who did not initially feel that comfortable with his GP25. But the Turin native stated after practice at the Americas GP that Bagnaia was happy ‘for the first time’ with his feelings on his Ducati.

Yet Neil Hodgson stated ‘I don’t believe’ Bagnaia feels better on his Ducati after he struggled for speed in practice at the Americas GP and only qualified in P6. But Bagnaia found another gear in both races as the Italian immediately fought for the win in the Sprint and Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number

Seeing people, including those ‘on the inside’, doubt Bagnaia was feeling more comfortable on his GP25 despite finishing practice in 10th at COTA left a sour taste in Roberto Locatelli’s mouth. The 2000 125cc champion also believes Bagnaia still has even more pace to unlock.

“Anyone who thought one of the two was already defeated has had to think again,” Locatelli stated, via quotes by Motosan. “What saddened me is that some people, even those on the inside, don’t seem to believe Pecco.

“But if there’s one thing that decisively distinguishes Bagnaia, it’s his sincerity. It took him a little longer, but now he’s there and has everything he needs to compete on absolutely equal terms with Marc Marquez.

“In fact, even after Austin, Pecco said he hasn’t reached 100% yet. I believe him. That means he still has room for improvement.”

Pecco Bagnaia and Ducati still have room to improve after his Americas Grand Prix victory

Bagnaia struggled ‘psychologically’ with Marquez’s strong start to the 2025 MotoGP season, as the 32-year-old dominated every qualifying, Sprint and Grand Prix upon moving to Ducati – right until the six-time champion crashed out from the lead of the Americas GP on Sunday.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Ducati from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy

Now, the Italian has a platform to build from as he looks to overcome a 12-point gap to Alex Marquez atop the riders’ standings and 11-point deficit to Marc. Locatelli is also right to say that Bagnaia still does not feel 100% comfortable on his Ducati GP25 after winning at COTA.

While the pair have the same bike, Bagnaia suffered with rear vibrations in the Americas GP but Marquez did not. The Turin native will hope Ducati can resolve that issue ahead of round four with the Qatar Grand Prix likely to suit Bagnaia far more than Buriram, Termas or COTA.