Bagnaia and Ducati: What’s Causing Issues with the GP25?

Despite clinching a podium in his recent races, Pecco Bagnaia has never seemed completely content with his performance on the track. The recent weekend at Jerez only amplified his uncertainties. He remarked, “Something isn’t right with the Ducati GP25.” Although he clawed back 16 points from Marc Márquez thanks to a second-place finish, Bagnaia found himself unable to contend for the race win, attributing much of this struggle to the characteristics of his motorcycle. As he explained post-race, “Every time I got close, I had to ease off a bit because I was losing the front.” This recurring issue, especially noticeable in turns 5, 8, 11, and 12, has hindered his ability to find the rhythm required to compete against the likes of his rivals.

Ducati GP25: A Machine with Untapped Potential?

Even amidst the criticism, Bagnaia remains optimistic about the capabilities of the GP25, believing it offers more potential than its predecessor. He stated, “The 2025 model has more potential than the 2024.” While the 2025 bike does show improvements in acceleration, top speed, and braking, Bagnaia struggles to fully harness these attributes. In drawing comparisons to the Ducati GP24, the performance difference is apparent as he notes a persistent gap, particularly in high-speed corners. He commented, “The front feels softer,” highlighting a significant distinction from last year’s model.

Aiming for Solutions: Critical Tests Ahead

Fortunately for Bagnaia, the season is still in its infancy, and the upcoming tests at Jerez provide a vital chance to address these issues. He expressed his relief, stating, “Thankfully, tomorrow we will have an important day.” His confidence stems from believing that the adjustments made could elevate his performance back to the level he exhibited last year. Despite the ongoing challenges with the GP25, Bagnaia understands that every minor tweak has the potential to make a substantial impact. The upcoming phases of the season will be critical for both Bagnaia and Ducati.

Proving His Worth: The Challenge of Adaptation

For the Italian rider, the path ahead is clear: he must demonstrate his ability to adapt to the Ducati GP25 and prove he’s still in contention for the championship title. Achieving this may depend on finding a more precise balance with his machine, a task Bagnaia appears ready to tackle as he aims to recapture peak performance levels swiftly. As the season progresses, the pressure mounts for him to prove that he can translate potential into results.