Jorge Martin has identified a clear confidence issue affecting Francesco Bagnaia’s MotoGP performance this season, particularly visible during the recent Catalan Grand Prix sprint race. Bagnaia, a factory Ducati rider and strong title contender, continued to experience setbacks in 2024 despite his proven skill, struggling notably in Barcelona as he finished only 14th in the sprint event.
The difficulties intensified following two challenging weekends in Austria and Hungary after the summer break, where Bagnaia’s form failed to meet expectations. At the Barcelona event, his qualifying position was a disappointing 21st on the grid, placing him behind riders such as returning Maverick Vinales, wildcard Lorenzo Savadori, and rookie Somkiat Chantra, highlighting his current downward trajectory.
Technical and Psychological Hurdles Behind Bagnaia’s Recent Performances
Bagnaia attributes his struggles mainly to trouble adapting to Ducati’s GP25 bike, having noted a significant time gap compared to last year’s Austrian Grand Prix victory—where he was 12 seconds faster. However, the rising success of his teammates and rivals suggests the issue may go beyond equipment.
Marc Marquez has shown remarkable consistency and dominance this season, while Alex Marquez is also performing well on a Gresini Ducati, intensifying scrutiny over whether Bagnaia’s struggles are solely linked to bike compatibility.
Jorge Martin commented on Bagnaia’s difficulties, emphasizing a visible lack of confidence on the Ducati machine:
“It’s difficult to analyse from the outside, you have to speak with Pecco. I hope he overcomes this situation, But you can see from the bike that he doesn’t have any confidence. He was in front of me during the race for some corners, but it’s not the ‘same Pecco’.” —Jorge Martin
Martin further described how Bagnaia’s braking had notably changed, making him easier to overtake compared to earlier seasons:
“He used to brake super hard, super difficult to overtake, and now it’s a different story. So hopefully, he overcomes this; he is a great champion, I’m sure he will do.” —Jorge Martin
Ducati Management Reflects on Bagnaia’s Confidence Gap
Ducati’s general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, also acknowledged the psychological element affecting Bagnaia’s form. Speaking to Sky Italy, he noted the difference in confidence levels between Marquez and other riders like Bagnaia and Fabio di Giannantonio, particularly at the start of the season.
“It’s more about the confidence you have in the bike, which is completely different,”
Dall’Igna explained, adding that Marquez’s strong early-season results have steadily boosted his confidence.
“The other two [Bagnaia and Fabio di Giannantonio] had some difficulties, especially at the start of the world championship, and they still need to find the confidence. This makes them struggle a bit more, especially in the early sessions.” —Gigi Dall’Igna
Ducati’s Continued Success and Hope for Bagnaia’s Comeback
Despite Bagnaia’s personal challenges, Ducati extended its dominance in MotoGP by securing the constructors’ championship for the sixth straight year at the Barcelona race, a winning streak dating back to 2020. Marc Marquez’s consistent podium finishes have been instrumental in this achievement.
Marquez, recognized for his own journey through ups and downs, expressed hope that Bagnaia will soon find his form again, acknowledging the importance of the rider’s confidence to the team’s future development.
“Already in 2019 with Honda, it was a bit like this, But I just try to do my maximum.” —Marc Marquez
“It will be good for the team and for the bike that Pecco comes back for the next races, because it will be important also to develop the bike for the future.” —Marc Marquez
As the season progresses, the return of a confident Bagnaia could significantly impact the title fight and Ducati’s performance, reinforcing the importance of psychological resilience in the high-pressure world of MotoGP racing.
