Ducati Team Manager Davide Tardozzi is “very confident” Francesco Bagnaia will recover from his 2025 MotoGP struggles in the 2026 season.
Two-time MotoGP World Champion Bagnaia had a difficult 2025 campaign, winning just two races and falling to fifth in the riders’ standings after failing to adapt to the new Desmosedici.
While there were many theories as to why Bagnaia struggled, Ducati General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna stated the issues stemmed from the ride height device impacting the front feeling of his GP25.
Despite the difficulties throughout last year, Tardozzi admitted he still has full faith in Bagnaia and is “very confident” the Italian will turn up to pre-season testing in a better frame of mind.
“First of all, it’s a pleasure to spend time with Pecco [Bagnaia] because he is a person you feel comfortable with,” Tardozzi told GPOne.
“I saw him at [Valentino Rossi’s] ranch and he seemed fine, and I also felt he was doing well when he returned from vacation with his wife.
“I’m very confident that we’ll see a different Pecco starting with the tests in Malaysia.”
Tardozzi added: “I spoke to him [recently], and I’m convinced that Pecco has processed 2025 in a positive way, in the sense that you can come out stronger from problems.
“He is a very mentally strong person, so I don’t think we’ll find a 2025 version of Pecco, but more of a 2024 version.”
‘Nothing will happen’ regarding Ducati contracts ahead of 2026 MotoGP launch
Tardozzi also revealed that Ducati is not planning to announce any contracts ahead of its official 2026 team launch.
Both Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia have contracts that expire at the end of the season, with the 2027 rider market likely to be lively due to the incoming rule changes.
Bagnaia had been touted for a potential exit from Ducati after a difficult 2025, but Tardozzi denied any decisions had been taken.
“I’d say it’s just talk for now,” Tardozzi said about Ducati’s contract talks.
“I don’t think decisions will be made that late, but it will still take time.
“Nothing will happen before the presentation because we’re focused on preparing the bikes and the event; it’s not the time to talk about certain things.
“I’d say we’ll do it after Madonna di Campiglio, or even later.”
Discussion about this post