Pecco Bagnaia wrapped up his 2026 test sessions with a positive outlook on the new Ducati GP26 after completing important evaluations in Thailand and Malaysia. Knowing how harsh the Buriram track was for him last year, his focus this time was to avoid repeating the difficulties he faced during the 2025 season. With testing now behind him, Bagnaia secured a fourth-place standing and achieved a solid Sprint simulation in Thailand, despite minor issues forcing an early stop during Wednesday’s race run.
Encouraging Progress in Winter Testing for the New Season
Bagnaia expressed satisfaction with the improvements made during the winter testing period, emphasizing that his performance this year has already surpassed that of the previous season.
“I’m happy with my feelings and with these winter tests, which are better than last season’s,”
he affirmed. He acknowledged the significance of both the Malaysian and Thai sessions, pointing out that although he didn’t achieve a flawless lap, the time attack and Sprint simulation went well, which helped boost his confidence heading into the race calendar. Minor setbacks during testing were inevitable but preferable to encountering issues during actual races.
How the 2026 Ducati GP26 Fits Bagnaia’s Riding Style
The new GP26 model presents differences in handling compared to last year’s bike, but Bagnaia feels these changes align better with his approach to racing.
“It’s different, but it works better for my riding style,”
he commented. Last year, the Buriram circuit exposed weaknesses in performance for him, even though the track generally suits his strengths. This season, the team concentrated on working with used tires and gathering detailed feedback to refine the motorcycle’s setup. Despite evident progress, Bagnaia recognizes that some aspects still need fine-tuning, which he hopes to achieve once race weekends begin.
The Challenge of Achieving Consistency in Braking
When asked about what remains to be perfected, Bagnaia pointed to the need for steadiness during braking. He explained,
“A bit of consistency and repeatability in braking. Sometimes I can brake well, while other times the bike starts to move, but that’s only because I’m coming into the corner faster.”
This inconsistency reflects the ongoing adjustment period as both rider and machine adapt to each other’s capabilities during high-speed maneuvers on a demanding circuit.
Assessing Competitors and Preparing for the Upcoming Season
After a short break, Bagnaia plans to fully engage with the season ahead, using these tests not only to improve his own performance but also to gauge the strengths of his rivals. He shared insights on the competitive landscape, noting that Ducati and Aprilia are currently leading the pack.
“It’s difficult to predict what will happen from the tests; you usually start to understand something in the first few races,”
he said.
“In my opinion, the values on the track are quite clear. Ducati and Aprilia are a step ahead of everyone else.”
He observed Aprilia’s advancement in pace and lap times, recognizing their progress as well as Ducati’s consistent work. Despite uncertainties about the final outcomes, Bagnaia feels more comfortable now compared to last year’s situation.
On-Track Clashes and Euphoric Energy Before the New Season
During the tests, Bagnaia found himself briefly alongside his teammate Marco Bezzecchi, sparking speculation about future on-track battles. Bagnaia downplayed the incident as coincidental, saying,
“There was a moment when, during my race simulation start, he was behind me, but in testing it’s just a coincidence. There are 22 riders, and sometimes it happens.”
The more significant development is the shift in Bagnaia’s mindset following the off-season. Already evident at the Sepang test, he conveyed a calmer, more grounded approach to racing.
“I’m much calmer, I have my feet on the ground, and I’m looking forward to the weekend. Then I’ll try to enjoy every single moment, something I didn’t do much last year. Maybe this approach will lead me to greater satisfaction,”
he shared, hopeful for the months ahead.
