Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia’s stock has fallen significantly in MotoGP in the past year, but Jonathan Rea is adamant that he is still one of the sport’s best talents.
The Ducati rider endured a torrid 2025 season with the GP25. He could not find any comfort from the bike, finishing fifth in the standings with two wins while teammate Marc Marquez dominated the championship.
Is Francesco Bagnaia a MotoGP legend?
In 2026, despite feeling confident with the GP26 over the winter, his issues have persisted and he is again struggling to find feeling from the Desmosedici. At the last race at COTA, he finished second in the Sprint, only to drop to P10 on Sunday.
Bagnaia suffered from tyre wear on the Ducati as he fell down the order in the final stages of the race. After the first three rounds of 2026, Bagnaia is ninth in the standings with 25 points.
Jonathan Rea hopes Francesco Bagnaia can return to form with Ducati in 2026
Speaking to GPOne, WSBK legend Rea offered his thoughts on the start to the MotoGP season. He expressed his support for Bagnaia and hopes that he can get back on his feet and find form again at Ducati.
“The last few races have been interesting,” he said. “Aprilia is making progress, but it’s still too early to draw conclusions. We still need two or three races to understand the strengths of the field.
“Bezzecchi is certainly very competitive, and soon Marquez will be too. I’m a big fan of Bagnaia, and I hope he finds his rhythm and competitiveness again, because he’s one of the most talented.”
Francesco Bagnaia has only finished two of the past nine Grands Prix – How many DNFs will he record in 2026?
Asked if the GP25 is what has undone him, Rea replied: “I honestly don’t know, because I’m not in the garage. For me, Pecco is one of the most talented riders on the bike.
“I remember a test at Jerez, when there were several Ducati and VR46 riders. The track conditions were difficult, but what Pecco was doing was incredible compared to the others.
“There were strong riders like Marco and Martin, but he was on another level. So there’s definitely a reason why he’s so strong, and I hope he can find his way again.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
Is Aprilia the answer to Francesco Bagnaia’s problems?
Valentino Rossi was right about Bagnaia’s ‘biggest problem’ in MotoGP, as rear tyre wear plagued him again at COTA. It is still early days in 2026, but after another tough start to the season, the Italian is in serious need of a resurgence.
When it comes to recovering with Ducati, that opportunity may already be gone. Reports say that Bagnaia is joining Aprilia in 2027 on a four-year contract, with crew chief Cristian Gabbarini set to join him.
The move to the Noale outfit could be just what he needs, given how the team have dramatically surged to the front of the grid in recent times. Of course, the 2027 regulations could throw up the pecking order, but Aprilia plan to integrate Bagnaia by testing the 2027 bike early.
A new surrounding and package could be what the two-time MotoGP champion needs to revive his form and confidence. He will keep fighting with Ducati, but his mind may already be focused on his future employer.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
