Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia is seeking improvements at Ducati as he aims to rectify the mistakes of 2025.
The Italian had a miserable campaign this year, winning just two races. While his teammate Marc Marquez collected 25 wins across the season, Bagnaia struggled to find feeling from the same bike.
Change our minds: Francesco Bagnaia will not fight for the championship in 2026
Ducati maintain that there were few differences between the GP24, which Bagnaia won 11 races with in 2024, and the GP25. But for whatever reason, the 28-year-old did not get on with the bike at all, even after more suitable changes were made.
Bagnaia expressed anger towards Ducati over the GP25 and his lack of feeling. He demanded GP24 parts to be added to his bike, and after testing them at Misano, he claimed a double win at Motegi.
The two-time MotoGP champion was at a loss to explain his sudden success, and no one had an explanation for his subsequent decline. Bagnaia failed to finish the last five races with the same setup as Japan, ultimately leaving him P5 in the championship.
Francesco Bagnaia has to ‘rediscover’ his feeling on his Ducati bike in 2026
Mat Oxley says Bagnaia needs to ‘unleash’ his ‘inner maniac’ in 2026. The Italian lost confidence in 2025 as he could not find feeling from the bike, no matter what he and Ducati tried.
Speaking at a recent event, via quotes from Motorsport Espana, he explained that he needs to ‘rediscover’ this feeling. The GP26 presents a fresh start, with Ducati set to take a new approach for the bike.
When asked how he will improve his form in 2026 and how he lacked ‘serenity’ throughout last year, he said: “You could say the two go hand in hand, because a fast rider is also happy. Everything comes back around.
“Honestly, my serenity has always been pretty much intact, because in the situations where I’ve done well, I’ve been where I know I need to be.
“So I know the potential is there, I know the speed hasn’t disappeared. I just have to work to rediscover the feeling. The serenity has always been there; it’s the feeling that has faded a bit, so that’s what I have to find again.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
Francesco Bagnaia responds to Nicolo Bulega claim ahead of the 2026 season
Bagnaia was criticised for his performances throughout 2025, even from within his own team. Nicolo Bulega said Bagnaia is ‘a little’ too nice in MotoGP.
It is worth noting that the Italian was critical of Ducati over the bike’s setup. When Bagnaia was asked about Bulega’s comments, he replied: “When there has been a need to use my elbows, I have never backed down, so I don’t think there is that need.”
Bulega is eyeing a factory Ducati seat in 2027 after his impressive stand-in appearances for Marquez in 2025. Bagnaia could find himself out of the team next season if his results do not improve.
If he does lose his seat, VR46 could be a ‘superb safety cushion’ for Bagnaia. Given his connections to Valentino Rossi and his academy, joining his MotoGP team could be the perfect move.
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