Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia has failed to find a solution for his MotoGP woes in 2025 and risks dropping outside the top three of the riders’ championship.
The Ducati star has gone from winning 11 races in 2024 to just one so far this season, and he doesn’t appear confident in adding to his current tally.
Eventually, whether over the winter or before then, Bagnaia will need to unlock more performance from his bike if he wants to keep his ride beyond next season.
With a new set of MotoGP regulations fast-approaching, he will want to make sure that he remains in an environment that he expected he would be in until retirement.
Ducati would send a ‘clear’ message by replacing Bagnaia, according to two-time champion Casey Stoner, but it may not be the most effective solution.
If he rediscovers his confidence, he could be a force to be reckoned with again. Bagnaia’s relationship with Ducati approaches the ‘point of no return’, and both sides must now work hard to ensure that every possible avenue is explored to solve the issues he has.
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Bagnaia is ‘not allowed’ to discuss one problem he has faced this season, because his GP25 is going to be used for the rest of the year.
Perhaps he’ll be free to talk about it after the season ends, but for now, he must stick with it and continue to keep faith in his team. After all, his teammate is dominating.
Mela Chercoles spoke to Ducati boss Luigi Dall’Igna after the Austrian Grand Prix, and he revealed what he believes Bagnaia’s current issue is.
“We talked about Marquez, of course. That if anyone can do what he’s doing, it’s him with the hunger he has and the rider he is. He showed me concern for Pecco Bagnaia,” he said.
“He believes that Pecco’s situation is a mental issue. I make it clear because he has already proven that he can do it and that this bike can do it because Marquez does it.”
Why Francesco Bagnaia might receive a ‘big hit’ at Ducati during 2025
On current form, Bagnaia looks susceptible to slipping behind Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi in the riders’ standings and down into fourth place.
His fellow countryman has been a serious contender recently and seems to be in the fight for podiums at every race.
Bagnaia is set to receive a ‘big hit’ financially if he fails to finish in the top three of the championship. Pressure will really start to mount now.
He has a 43-point margin behind to Bezzecchi, and nine races to defend his position. He’ll need to do better than the eighth he managed in Austria.
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