Jorge Lorenzo tells Francesco Bagnaia he’d be ‘more comfortable’ racing for Ducati rival as their ‘number one’

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Francesco Bagnaia’s future at Ducati is being called into question after a desperate Austrian Grand Prix. Bagnaia scored just eight points at the Red Bull Ring.

After a DNF in the Sprint, he went backwards in Sunday’s race, crossing the line eighth after starting third. Bagnaia had been unbeaten at the circuit since 2021.

But, as he pointed out in his media debrief, he lost 12 seconds compared to his race-winning time from a year ago. This has intensified his frustration over Ducati’s development direction.

Bagnaia, who competed for the title on the GP24 last year, is nearly 200 points off the pace set by Marc Marquez. Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi has closed the gap to his fellow VR46 academy graduate (now 43 points) and will be looking to dump him out of the top three in the coming races.

Francesco Bagnaia told he’s in ‘the shadow’ of Marc Marquez at Ducati

Bagnaia’s Ducati contract runs until the end of 2026, so while the relationship may have suffered this year, there’s no prospect of an immediate change. But both parties may consider whether an extension into ’27 is wise if the current pattern continues.

Earlier this year, Bagnaia said he could finish his career at Ducati. However, rivals will be increasingly optimistic of landing his coveted seat.

Carlo Pernat can see Bagnaia joining Yamaha if he does split with Luigi Dall’Igna’s squad. They’re currently bottom of the constructors’ but the major regulation changes for 2027 will shape the MotoGP rider market.

Speaking on the Duralavita podcast after the Austrian GP, MotoGP legend Jorge Lorenzo suggested Bagnaia would benefit psychologically from joining another team, even if the bike wasn’t as competitive.

“Be careful – this is science fiction – if you remove Marc from the equation, Pecco won’t be the same,” Ramon Forcada said.

Lorenzo replied: “At this moment, Pecco would be more comfortable and more motivated being the number one for Aprilia, Honda or Yamaha than he is at this moment. He’s suffering and is in the shadow of Marquez.”

Pecco Bagnaia’s biggest Ducati grievance emerges – the tension is growing

Marquez’s crew chief has offered to help Bagnaia, but Ducati have tried several solutions by this point. It’s possible that the Ant of Cervera is simply hiding the limitations of his motorcycle, something he’s done throughout his career.

Indeed, compared to Fabio di Giannantonio – the other rider on factory-spec machinery, Bagnaia is faring well. He’s scored a total of 12 podiums to Diggia’s three.

• READ MORE: Yamaha now see Jorge Martin’s £6m-a-year MotoGP rival as their ‘forbidden dream’

Bagnaia’s biggest grievance is that Ducati haven’t found the answer after months of complaints about a lack of ‘feeling’ from the front under braking. Unfortunately, the team will see Marquez’s performances as evidence that there’s nothing fundamentally wrong.

A report in the Italian press claims that the relationship is nearing the point of ‘no return’. If there’s no breakthrough before the end of the season, 2026 will begin with intense speculation.