At the Japanese MotoGP held at the Motegi circuit, Francesco Bagnaia reignited hopes for a strong resurgence this weekend by setting the fastest time in the FP1 session, his first fastest lap this season. The Ducati rider, who has endured a difficult run in recent rounds, used his improved pace to signal that a Francesco Bagnaia MotoGP comeback may be underway as he aims to regain top form amid fierce competition.
Strong Recovery Despite Early Struggles at Motegi
Bagnaia overcame early issues during the race weekend to secure a position in Qualifying 2, improving his time by 0.2 seconds compared to last year’s performance at the same venue, where he previously dominated. Despite the promising lap times, Bagnaia remained cautious ahead of the sprint race, which he identified as his usual challenge.
We have to wait for qualifying and especially the Sprint, which is where I usually struggle the most,
he said, underlining how unpredictable the situation remains.
Ducati’s Technical Changes and Brake Improvements
Reports indicate Ducati has introduced several updates, especially focused on the fork and chassis, areas Bagnaia had been eager to test throughout the season. He noted that the recent testing at Misano allowed him to try modifications that had not been explored during earlier rounds.
We tested different things in Misano that we already had, but we never had the chance to really try during this season,
Bagnaia revealed. He also highlighted a key improvement in his braking, stating,
Today I felt good in braking; I did a comparison with last year and I was braking a bit harder.
This shift in braking technique could address the front-end stability problems that affected much of his season so far.
Experimenting to Overcome Season-long Challenges
During this critical phase of his campaign, Bagnaia emphasized how crucial experimentation has been in his pursuit of better performance.
We’ve been chasing feeling all year, and we had to try things that had never been in our thoughts. I think having that test day was crucial.
His resolve to push through previous limitations is evident, especially as he must contend with strong rivals, including teammate Marc Marquez, who is close to securing the 2025 title.
Maintaining Confidence Amid Technical Setbacks
Despite facing a 15-minute delay during the afternoon session due to technical difficulties, Bagnaia kept a composed and assured approach on track. He reflected on his riding style during practice, saying,
I was riding in a smooth way, quite confident.
This balance of calm and calculated effort could prove vital as he targets a return to the top five, a notable goal since his last appearance on the podium five rounds ago.
Looking Ahead to a Defining Weekend in Japan
The MotoGP community watches closely as Francesco Bagnaia prepares to capitalize on the momentum gathered at Motegi. With strides made in braking performance and bike setup, there is growing anticipation that this weekend could mark a vital turning point in his season, signaling the potential for a significant Francesco Bagnaia MotoGP comeback amid an intensely competitive field.
