Francesco Bagnaia talks about the crisis, Marc Marquez and the support of Valentino Rossi – for him, both exceptional riders have one thing in common
After a difficult previous year, Francesco Bagnaia started the new year with renewed courage. During the winter tests, he spoke of a good feeling with the further developed Ducati and praised the engineers. Team manager Davide Tardozzi also noted that he recognized the “old” Bagnaia again and that he had found his way back to successful strength.
The season opener in Thailand was difficult for Ducati as a whole, but especially for the two-time MotoGP World Champion. He did not make it into Q2. Bagnaia saw the chequered flag in ninth place in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix.
Nevertheless, he was not worried after this difficult opening weekend, as he clearly recognized more potential that Ducati was unable to realize in Thailand. He also seems more reflective as a rider after the winter break.
“Marc came and dominated, you can’t say anything about that,” he said in an interview with GPOne.com. “I couldn’t ride a bike that had changed compared to last year, when it was perfect. I had extreme difficulties.“
”I didn’t suffer because of Marc, but because I couldn’t reach my potential. You always learn. I have understood that I can be competitive if the bike has potential.“
”I am working on learning to bring more of myself to the table when it has weaknesses – like in Thailand or throughout last year,” says Bagnaia. He also receives support from those around him, especially in the VR46 Academy and from Valentino Rossi.
Feedback from Rossi, Stoner and Marquez
He has been part of the MotoGP legend’s support program since 2014. In 2018, Bagnaia won the world title in the Moto2 class with VR46. It is the Italian team’s only world title to date.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. From a sporting point of view, Valentino, together with Carlo, my coach, was definitely the person who helped me the most. I try to take as much as I can from everyone.”
Bagnaia was also in regular contact with Casey Stoner, Ducati’s first MotoGP world champion, and exchanged ideas with him. When the Australian attended a race last year, he spoke to Bagnaia to support him with advice during the difficult phase.
“Casey was close to me in some moments and his help makes all the difference,” he praises the two-time MotoGP World Champion. “Having Marc in the pits is positive. I can see his data and talk to him. Vale and Marc have one thing in common: determination.“
”On the track, they do everything they can to stay ahead of you. I never raced against Casey, but he had incredible instinct. He made the difference by being able to adapt to different situations.”
Stoner won 23 Grands Prix with Ducati. With 31 victories, Bagnaia is the most successful Ducati rider in the premier class of motorcycle racing. However, there is every indication that they will part ways at the end of the season.
Pedro Acosta will be Marc Marquez’s new team-mate in 2027. Bagnaia moves to Aprilia and becomes Marco Bezzecchi’s teammate there. He has been riding for Ducati since 2019. First two years in the Pramac team and then in the Reds’ factory team.
“My dream and my goal was to start and finish my MotoGP career with them. Unfortunately, we had several difficulties last season and it’s normal that things can change,” said Bagnaia.
