Francesco Bagnaia says ‘intelligent’ MotoGP rider has become an unlikely ally as he seeks Ducati recovery

Add as preferred source on Google

Francesco Bagnaia has found an unlikely ally on the MotoGP grid as he continues to search for an antidote to his struggles on Ducati’s 2025-spec GP25.

The most recent MotoGP round in Barcelona was his worst of the season yet. Bagnaia exited out of qualifying in Q1, qualifying 21st on the grid and failing to make an impact in the Sprint.

The Grand Prix was slightly more fruitful, as he benefited from several riders crashing to take the chequered flag in seventh.

The upcoming round at Misano may be the right place for him to get his mojo back, considering he has finished the last five Grands Prix there on the podium.

However, the same was expected in Austria due to his three consecutive wins at the track heading into the round in August. Ducati refit Bagnaia’s favoured brake pads at the circuit, but it wasn’t enough for him to produce a respectable finish for the calibre of bike he was riding.

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

Francesco Bagnaia says it was ‘good’ to have a conversation with Marc Marquez regarding his struggles

During Ducati’s most recent episode of their behind-the-scenes YouTube series, Inside Ducati Lenovo, Marc Marquez advised Bagnaia to ‘reset’ at the upcoming San Marino Grand Prix.

Bagnaia’s willingness to open up about his struggles in the current campaign was striking and caught the eye of many before his Thursday afternoon media duties at Misano.

When prompted about the clip by journalists, Bagnaia replied, via Motorsport.com, “It’s always good to talk to a rider as intelligent as Marc. You take everything you can from intelligent riders, and we’re both intelligent.

“I’d love to fight for the win, but I think it’s more realistic to think about finishing in the top five. Misano has a lot of grip; it’s a track I know very well, and I hope to get off to a good start and finish the final race as the best of the three.”

What was also striking about the clip was Marquez’s inclination to offer Bagnaia advice in the first place. The Spanish rider arrived at the Ducati factory team ahead of 2025 as a threat to Bagnaia, considering the Italian’s form in recent years of competing for world championships.

He would have been the last name on the grid that one would expect to help his closest rival, but recent comments from the Ant of Cervera suggest otherwise.

Marquez has been vocal about Bagnaia’s treatment in the media, claiming that the current narrative surrounding his struggles at Ducati has hampered his growth with the GP25.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend

Francesco Bagnaia says he has never had ‘doubts’ over what Ducati thinks of him

Continuing in his press duties, the 28-year-old also assured reporters that there will be no unexpected rider movements from within the Ducati stable that would put his seat at risk.

“My potential doesn’t allow me to win,” he declared. “I haven’t been able to adapt to this bike. I’ve analysed everything, every possible part, and the conclusion is that the only element that explains it is the bike.

“A difficult situation makes you doubt yourself, and that’s important because you can grow. I’ve never had any doubts about what Ducati thinks of me. We are continuing on our path.”

Many MotoGP riders have been linked with a Ducati seat for the 2027 season, and with both Ducati factory riders’ contracts up at the end of 2026, it could be an interesting battle for the seats at the team.

Jorge Lorenzo believes Bagnaia is too ‘sensitive’ in his riding style, which has seen him suffer on a bike which is clearly more suited to Marquez’s aggressive style. Lorenzo drew a comparison to himself, whilst stating that he went through the same issues at the start of his career.