Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has publicly expressed confidence in Italian rider Pecco Bagnaia’s ability to overcome his difficult 2025 season, highlighting the key role of Bagnaia’s crew chief Cristian Gabarrini in this anticipated comeback. Currently battling poor front-end feel on his factory Ducati, Bagnaia has managed only one race win and trails his teammate Marc Marquez by 227 points in the championship standings.
Recent Race Challenges Highlight Bagnaia’s Difficult Season
The Hungarian Grand Prix underscored Bagnaia’s ongoing challenges as he struggled with his bike setup throughout the weekend, ultimately finishing ninth—a result well below expectations. Despite this, significant setup changes just before the race improved Bagnaia’s confidence in the GP25’s front end, marking a rare positive during an otherwise frustrating campaign.
Stoner Confirms Faith in Bagnaia and Gabarrini Partnership
Speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix, Casey Stoner acknowledged the complexity of diagnosing Bagnaia’s issues but maintained belief in the strong relationship between Bagnaia and his crew chief Gabarrini, who notably contributed to Stoner’s own successes in the past.
“It’s really difficult to know exactly where the issues are,”
Stoner remarked.
“But it’s not the first time we’ve seen Pecco face adversity in the early part of a season and ultimately find his rhythm.”
—Casey Stoner, Two-time MotoGP World Champion
How Competition and Experience Could Fuel Bagnaia’s Recovery
Stoner further suggested that the pressure stemming from the intense rivalry with his teammate Marquez might drive Bagnaia to improve. He emphasized the learning opportunities that come from tough periods, predicting that Bagnaia could emerge stronger and more competitive as a result.
“As tough as this season has been, you learn the most during your worst moments,”
Stoner explained.
“Whatever he takes away from this year can make him immensely stronger and a formidable contender in the future. Pecco and Cristian typically work incredibly well together and will uncover the reasons behind these issues.”
—Casey Stoner, Two-time MotoGP World Champion
Outlook for Bagnaia and the Final Push of the 2025 Season
As the 2025 season approaches its conclusion, attention is focused on whether Bagnaia can rediscover the front-end feel that has eluded him for much of the year. The potential for a dramatic resurgence remains a topic of intense discussion within the MotoGP community, with fans eager to see if the combination of Bagnaia’s skill and Gabarrini’s technical expertise can turn results around.
Bagnaia’s ability to overcome the current setbacks will be critical in determining if he can remain in contention for the championship moving forward or if this challenging year marks a bigger roadblock in his MotoGP career. The season’s final races will reveal whether this predicted comeback is rooted in reality or wishful thinking within the paddock.
