Three-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia has acknowledged the need to rebuild his form after a challenging start to the 2025 season, as he prepares for the British MotoGP at Silverstone this weekend. His current difficulties have prompted him to adopt a “start again from zero” approach to regain competitiveness on his Ducati.
Bagnaia’s steady beginning to the year was disrupted dramatically at the Le Mans races, where he experienced his first double DNF (Did Not Finish) in the Sprint era. Along with poor race results, his sixth place in qualifying marked a low point in a season already troubled by ongoing issues with front-end feeling on the Ducati Desmosedici GP.
Ongoing Front-End Challenges and Adaptation Efforts
The Ducati Lenovo Team has consistently reported problems with front tire feedback throughout the season. Bagnaia described the 2025 bike as having a “softer” front, which affects braking performance and his overall riding feel. This softness has created a notable difference compared to previous models, making adaptation crucial for improvements.
He explained,
“We just saw that this new bike has something that makes a bit of difference in terms of braking: it looks like the front is softer, so we just need to adapt to it and try to do something different.”
Preparations for Silverstone had already begun before the event, with Bagnaia and his team working on adjusting setups to better suit the bike’s characteristics.
“We spoke about it and we will start with two different setups: we will try [them] in FP1 and [see] which one is better, then try to go forward with it.”
Staying Focused on Riding Fundamentals Amidst Challenges
Despite setbacks, Bagnaia remains hopeful about restoring his performance levels. He emphasized the importance of not losing touch with essential riding skills, which can often be overlooked when focusing on technical adjustments.
Bagnaia reflected,
“One thing that is super-important is that you don’t forget how to ride your bike. This is something very important to remind everyone.”
We are just working to solve our problems.
—Francesco Bagnaia, MotoGP Rider
Outlook for Silverstone and the Season Ahead
Bagnaia approaches the British GP with cautious optimism, aiming to overcome the recent setbacks and improve his results. His approach involves meticulous evaluation of bike setups and re-centering his riding style to meet the demands of the revised Ducati. How well these adjustments will translate into better performances remains to be seen but marks a critical phase in his 2025 campaign.
With the season still in its early stages, Bagnaia’s willingness to “start again from zero” reflects a determined mindset focused on adaptation and progress, offering hope to Ducati fans and MotoGP observers alike for a strong comeback in the coming races.
