Francesco Bagnaia concluded the third day of the 2026 Sepang test by posting the fifth-fastest lap time, demonstrating solid form during the Sprint Race simulations at Sepang International Circuit. The sessions focused on replicating Sprint Race conditions, with most riders completing 10-lap runs to mirror the intensity of the upcoming 20-lap Sprint Race that Bagnaia won in the 2025 Malaysian Grand Prix.
During last year’s Sepang Sprint, Bagnaia secured victory from pole position, finishing 2.259 seconds ahead of Alex Marquez. However, in Thursday’s test, it was Marquez who set the best average Sprint Race pace, clocking a lap time of 1:58.028, narrowly ahead of Bagnaia’s 1:58.166.
Marc Marquez, riding for Ducati alongside Bagnaia, recorded the third-fastest average Sprint Race pace at 1:58.289. The 32-year-old’s performance earned him fourth place on the timesheets for the day, just behind the 29-year-old Alex Marquez who led the session.
Ducati Leadership Expresses Satisfaction with Bagnaia’s Progress
The 2026 Sepang test has marked a positive step for Francesco Bagnaia as he aims to rebound from his fifth-place finish in the 2025 MotoGP riders’ standings, where he trailed champion Marc Marquez by 257 points. Marc Marquez’s season was cut short by a collarbone injury that forced him to miss the final four rounds in 2025.
Ducati sporting director Mauro Grassilli conveyed the factory’s contentment with Bagnaia’s adaptation to the GP26 bike at Sepang. General manager Luigi Dall’Igna also shared positive feedback about Bagnaia’s comfort with the latest Ducati machinery.
“It’s the first day, we still have several days. We have a race in Malaysia at Sepang, a friendly track. So, we have several factors in our favour. Now, we’re looking forward to Thailand and the next races.”
– Mauro Grassilli, Ducati Sporting Director
Bagnaia’s Steady Sprint Sim Times Raise Optimism for the Season Ahead
Bagnaia has remarked on his improved braking performance with Ducati’s 2026 bike, an area that challenged him during the previous season. His strong opening days at Sepang have underlined this progress, as he tested different front aerodynamic packages developed by Ducati, including a new version of the 2024 fairing on the GP26.
A key highlight from the Sepang test was Bagnaia’s consistent lap times during the Sprint Race simulation. He recorded five consecutive laps between 1:57.7 and 1:57.9 seconds, a level of consistency that stands out compared to teammate Marc Marquez, who managed only two laps within the same 1:57 range during his simulation.
Encouraging Signs as Focus Shifts to Upcoming Events
The positive outputs from Bagnaia’s performances and Ducati’s development work at Sepang suggest a focused and competitive campaign ahead. With the next race scheduled in Thailand at Buriram, both Bagnaia and the Ducati team anticipate building on the momentum gathered during these tests. Strong showings in the final preseason test could pave the way for improved race results and a tighter fight for the 2026 MotoGP title.
