After completing three days of testing at Sepang, Francesco Bagnaia is approaching the upcoming Thailand round with optimism. Although he placed fifth on Thursday—a result influenced by an early time attack—the rider from the Lenovo Ducati team expressed positive sentiments about his progress, particularly noting a strong Sprint Race simulation. Amidst these test reflections, Bagnaia also confronted questions regarding his plans beyond 2026, amid a competitive contract market and speedy team decisions.
Ongoing Contract Discussions and Options for 2027
When asked about his future, Bagnaia stated,
“I’m still talking. It’s clear that a season like the last one can put you on the wrong side, but I’m still talking. I have many opportunities, and we have to decide.”
He acknowledged the pressures of a rapidly moving market that leaves little time to prove improvement, emphasizing the importance of recent performances:
“It is what it is. We live in a super-fast world, so you have to be fast. Jorge Lorenzo said something correct: you are remembered for your last races. It’s right and normal that it should be that way. It’s true that in the last 3 or 4 years, contracts have been decided much earlier, but that’s the way it is, and I think it’s right.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
Regarding the prospect of continuing with Ducati in 2027, including the possibility of joining a satellite team, Bagnaia expressed a clear ambition to remain a leading contender:
“I believe I am a front-runner, so my ambitions need to always keep me at the front. There are many opportunities. Fortunately, what I have done well in recent years certainly helps at the moment, but without pressure and without haste, I will make the decision that I think is right.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
Insights into Sepang Test Performances
On his on-track experience at Sepang, Bagnaia commented on both strengths and areas for improvement:
“I’m happy overall. I think we did some good testing in terms of elements and performance. The only thing was the attack on the time, which we perhaps did too early. In general, though, I’m happy. In recent years, in testing, I tried to do a magical time attack, but then I realized that being so fast in a test isn’t always the best thing. It’s true that it’s important, and I missed a good lap time, but we’ll have time in Thailand to try to improve a little.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
He noted a positive Thursday, especially about the Sprint Race simulation:
“The Sprint race simulation went well. I lost a bit in the last three laps: I had some difficulty staying consistent with the front tyre. We are working on it to understand what I can do better. For the rest, today it was important to better understand the fairings and aerodynamics, and I think I have a better understanding of what to do and what to ask for in the next test. Everything went well.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
Massimo Rivola, Ducati’s Managing Director, praised the performance, stating,
“If his simulation reflects reality, we can all come back in 2027.”
Bagnaia himself responded thoughtfully to this praise:
“It’s true, but the track conditions are definitely incredible: the more laps you do, the faster you go. Last year, I won the Sprint by riding quite a bit slower: today, the simulation was very fast, but that’s because the tyres degraded less and there was extreme grip. Therefore, the times are real, but not true in view of the race. We have to wait and see. Alex Marquez was also extremely fast. So, I’m happy that my simulation went well, because last year I was very fast in the time attack, but I struggled to be consistent in the Sprint simulation, and for me it’s more important to be consistent in a test than to set a super-fast lap time. Because in the end, it’s consistency that gets you through the first few races. So, I’m satisfied.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
Approach to Thailand as a Critical Test Ahead
Despite encouraging results at Sepang, Bagnaia remains measured about his progress, especially considering the challenges experienced last year at the same venue. “Let’s wait and see,” he said.
“The test in Thailand will be important for me. This one was too, but this is a track where I’ve always been competitive. So, let’s wait for Thailand, where I struggled a lot in last year’s tests. It will be important to start well and understand the bike. I think we worked much better this time, waiting until I was comfortable on the bike instead of starting to test the material too early. That was much better because I started working as soon as I felt good on the bike, and everything was much clearer.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
Regarding the determination of aerodynamic solutions, Bagnaia remarked,
“I’ve just spoken with the team and the engineers, and it will be important to understand in Thailand as well, even though today’s test was positive. So, in Thailand, we will decide whether that’s the solution or not.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
He also outlined key components expected to be confirmed during the Buriram tests:
“I think the 2026 specification of the bike has already been decided. I feel better than with the 25. I didn’t have too many doubts about it, but I’m sure it’s better. In Thailand, it will be important to confirm the fairing and swingarm, which is needed for grip in another situation.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
How Recent Bike Changes Affect Rider Performance
When asked if recent technical adjustments had favored him personally, Bagnaia explained that the changes benefited the entire Ducati contingent:
“In my opinion, it wasn’t in my favor, but in everyone’s favor, because in the end, last year’s bike was very fast with Marc, but it struggled a bit more with the other two riders who had it. So, for me, what has been changed helps everyone: Marc, who will certainly find himself better; me, Di Giannantonio, and Alex Marquez, who is another very sensitive rider and who we are lucky to have with us, to help us improve more quickly.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
Ducati’s Standing Among Competitors for 2026 and Beyond
Bagnaia perceived Ducati as a consistent frontrunner in the field since his arrival, but noted the broader competitive landscape is evolving:
“I think it’s been the favorite bike since 2021/2022, maybe even earlier. But since I’ve been here, Ducati has always been the most competitive for me. In 2021, I was a little too inexperienced to think about winning the title, but that was a bike to win with. The other bikes have improved. In my opinion, Aprilia is the one that has improved the most. KTM is working well. Honda has improved a lot. Yamaha has embarked on a totally new project, and it hasn’t gone badly. Everyone is improving. Ducati is more limited because of the regulations, but it is still working hard and knows where to work.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
Bagnaia’s Reflections on Testing and Road Ahead
While satisfied with the test sessions in Malaysia, Bagnaia maintained a cautious outlook on assessing the bike’s potential:
“For me, it was a good test because being able to ride and push 100% without any limitations helps a lot as a rider. The best bike? I’ll tell you later; it’s still too early to say. The feeling is good. We’ll see in Thailand.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
He also outlined his objectives for the next phase of preparation:
“In my opinion, there’s room for further growth, so we’ll work to make sure we are ready for the first race. Unfortunately, last year I made a mistake that I tried not to repeat this year, which was to try to test everything in a hurry. We took our time, we took one step at a time with awareness, and that’s what I think helped me get used to this bike better and sooner.”
— Francesco Bagnaia, rider
Looking Forward to the Upcoming Challenges in Buriram
As Bagnaia eyes the forthcoming tests in Thailand, where he previously faced struggles, the focus remains on refining the bike and consolidating gains. His methodical approach, combining patience with consistent performance improvements, underscores a commitment to re-establishing himself as a top contender within Ducati’s ranks for the 2027 season. Whether continuing with the factory squad or embracing a satellite role, Bagnaia’s determination to stay at the front remains a defining feature of his plans.
