Jorge Lorenzo saw something watching Francesco Bagnaia that he’d rarely seen in his career

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Francesco Bagnaia isn’t entirely at ‘fault’ for his crisis at Ducati, Jorge Lorenzo says. The MotoGP legend says something ‘very strange’ is happening at the Bologna team.

Last season, Bagnaia won 18 races and stood on the podium 26 times (accounting for Sprints). This year, he’s won three and collected only 14 podiums.

There are still three rounds remaining, but Bagnaia appears to be getting further away from an answer. He’s failed to score a single point in the last three rounds.

It’s one of the most baffling drop-offs in the sport’s recent history. And worryingly, rider and team appear to be fundamentally at odds when it comes to assigning blame.

Jorge Lorenzo couldn’t believe how much Francesco Bagnaia’s bike was moving

Bagnaia wouldn’t comment on his Ducati bike shaking at Phillip Island as clips went viral on social media. Lorenzo saw this happening at the Catalan Grand Prix in September, a race where Bagnaia qualified 21st and finished seventh.

It’s something he’s rarely witnessed during his Grand Prix career, which began back in 2002. He can’t see any answer in the ‘data and mathematics’.

Bagnaia was barely beating Moto2 times during the Sprint at Phillip Island. Lorenzo says the GP25 simply doesn’t give him ‘confidence’.

“It’s a very, very delicate situation,” Lorenzo said on the Duralavita YouTube channel. “I don’t think it’s all Pecco’s fault, as many people are saying.

“Something strange is happening because these movements that I saw at Montmelo… you can’t stop it. I haven’t seen it many times in my career. At some point, something strange is happening with that bike.

“I’m very data and mathematics-oriented, but it’s very strange that a rider with Pecco’s ability and consistency over the last three years, who always there fighting for the podium, for the win, now forgets how to ride and is fighting for the last positions.

“I don’t think it’s all Bagnaia’s fault. Something happens on that bike that doesn’t give him confidence in most conditions.”

Max Biaggi suggests Pecco Bagnaia could join a Ducati satellite team

Bagnaia is under contract at Ducati for 2026. Theoretically, he could fulfil that deal at one of the satellite teams.

Indeed, it’s already been suggested that VR46 is Bagnaia’s only alternative if he wants out of the factory squad for next year. His manager, Valentino Rossi, owns the team but would have to axe one of his current riders.

It should be said that Bagnaia has given no indication that he wants to leave, even if he is growing increasingly impatient. Max Biaggi says a move to a satellite team is ‘possible’ but ‘difficult’.

“I wouldn’t bet my life on [him staying],” the Aprilia ambassador told Radio RTL 102.5. “Manufacturers are always looking to bring forward young riders to provide continuity. It’s possible that Francesco will be moved to a satellite team.

“Bagnaia has a contract with the factory team. That’s why it will be difficult to see him in another Ducati team.”

Addressing the rumours about his future at the Malaysian GP, Bagnaia said (via Mundo Deportivo): “In difficult times, you hear a lot of nonsense from outside. But I’ve always been able to isolate myself.”