Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia will be desperate to turn his form around amid rumours of a feud with Ducati and about his future.
The two-time MotoGP champion has been left despondent by his recent results and the current state of his bike. It was only three weeks ago that Bagnaia claimed a double victory at Motegi after Ducati gave him GP24 components.
He had been calling for the changes after failing to find any feeling from the GP25 all season. However, in Indonesia and Australia, he scored no points, despite riding the same bike as he did at Motegi.
Phillip Island was particularly damaging, as Bagnaia was under a second quicker than Moto2 riders during the race. His Desmosedici was seen shaking violently down the straights before he crashed out from P12 in the closing stages.
Bagnaia refused to answer questions about his bike shaking, which has become a common thing as he vents his frustration towards Ducati. He has been unhappy with his machine as teammate Marc Marquez has dominated in 2025, creating a tense situation.
Valentino Rossi is ‘convinced’ Francesco Bagnaia will return to the front
Many have been left confused by the Italian’s struggles in 2025, especially his team, who are starting to run out of patience after he lost P3 in the standings to Marco Bezzecchi.
Bagnaia has created distance with Ducati’s top management due to his results and his frustration towards the manufacturer, stating that he has nothing more to prove after winning at Motegi. But they are still committed to helping him, as is VR46 boss Valentino Rossi.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the MotoGP legend noted Bagnaia’s ‘difficult’ situation, but he is ‘convinced’ that his protege will return to form.
“Pecco is a three-time World Champion, including once in Moto2, also with our team. He’s very fast, but unfortunately this year he’s struggling a bit,” he said.
“Over the last three years, he’s always fought for the World Championship. He won two, while last year he lost it in the final race. He’s proven his worth.
“This year, for a combination of reasons, he hasn’t been very comfortable with the new Ducati. He’s started to struggle a bit, alongside a fast teammate like Marquez.
“We’re going through a difficult time, and we’re trying to help him 100%, trying to figure out how to resolve the situation. We still don’t understand what happened either, but we’re convinced that Pecco will get back to the front and fight for wins again.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
Could Valentino Rossi be Francesco Bagnaia’s only saving grace as Ducati situation worsens?
With Rossi’s help behind the scenes, it could be the motivation and guidance that Bagnaia needs. But with the friction with Ducati, the situation could be irreparable.
Rumours have already speculated that the 28-year-old could leave the Borgo Panigale outfit. Rossi’s VR46 would be Bagnaia’s ‘only alternative’ if he were to leave the factory team in 2025, which does not seem likely.
He will see out his contract until 2026, but Ducati have given Bagnaia a deadline to convince them that he deserves a new deal. The opening races of next season will be telling, especially as the team have already got replacements lined up.
Ducati are looking at Pedro Acosta ‘first and foremost’ to replace Bagnaia, with Fermin Aldeguer, David Alonso and Fabio Quartararo also under consideration. His form must improve before the manufacturer decides to cut ties.
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