After a difficult 2025 campaign, Francesco Bagnaia is setting realistic expectations for the 2026 MotoGP season while aiming to challenge reigning champion and team‑mate Marc Marquez.
Bagnaia, a former double world champion, is entering the new season with tempered optimism. He told reporters at the recent Ducati MotoGP team launch that his focus is on improving results and making life harder for Marquez rather than promising immediate championship contention.
The Ducati rider left last season on a high note after testing new GP26 components in a post‑season test at Valencia in November. Bagnaia described the prototype as promising, with competitive pace and improvements in areas where he had previously struggled.
Bagnaia said the Valencia test was encouraging, particularly after a difficult race weekend. He felt better on the bike during testing and noted that the machine’s performance had improved. Although he did not provide specific technical details, Bagnaia believes the updates should help Ducati compete more effectively in 2026.
Source: The Guardian
Last year Bagnaia secured four wins but often lacked confidence on the GP25, which Marquez was able to dominate. The Italian experienced inconsistency through the season and finished outside the points in ten of the final 14 races. In the other four, he won three times, highlighting flashes of form amid broader struggles.
Bagnaia said his goal for 2026 is to be in championship battles more consistently than he was last year. He acknowledged the strength of the field and emphasised the importance of being competitive from the first race. “Many riders are fast,” Bagnaia said. “It will be important to fight with them and try to regain what I lost last year.”
Before attending the official MotoGP test at Sepang from February 3 to 5, Bagnaia will take part in Superbike training at Mandalika with his fellow VR46 Academy riders.
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