Problems aboard Ducati were worse last year

Factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia says his problems getting comfortable aboard the GP25 on the first two weekends of this season are no worse than they were in the early part of 2024. But the Italian understands this season’s issues are costing him more in the light of the competition he faces this year.

The two-time world champion now has a points deficit of 31 to his new team-mate at Ducati, six-time champion Marc Marquez. While Marquez has won both sprints and both grands prix in Thailand and Argentina respectively, Bagnaia followed up three thirds with a fourth in Sunday’s Argentina GP.

“I was expecting more from myself, but as soon as the race began I was struggling to find my pace,” said Bagnaia of his latest battle to reach his usual standards.

“I was only a tenth of a second per lap away at the start of the race, but it was enough to lose Marc and Alex Marquez.

“I lost a bit of time in the fight with Johann Zarco and Franco Morbidelli. More than fourth was tough today; I was trying everything.”

In a lengthy answer, the 2022 and 2023 champion then put his 2025 problems into perspective given the Marquez factor.

“The thing is to get back to my feeling. My feeling is what allows me to fight for a win, not fourth place. Fourth is not my place. Even third is not my place.

“This is not the worst situation I’ve been in. Last year was worse in the first part of the season. But the difference is that this time I have an opponent who is more consistent. Marc will not make any mistakes.

“Last year was worse. My situation with the bike was worse. Right now the feeling is not as bad as that… but I am still missing my feeling.

“I am missing my feeling from [the end of] last year. We made a step this weekend but I was still missing something with the control of the rear tyre. The feeling is a bit strange at the moment. We need to solve it.

“At home I will try to re-watch and understand what I am missing. And maybe try to adapt to the situation.

Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Bagnaia’s next chance to improve will be in two weeks at the Americas Grand Prix, but he is aware of Marquez’s formidable record at the Austin circuit.

“Recovering 31 points is already a long journey. And we have to consider that the next race is at Austin, where he is very strong. 

“But I know how fast we can be. Knowing that, we have to work to solve our problems.”