Jorge Lorenzo, the celebrated three-time MotoGP world champion, has expressed strong confidence in Pecco Bagnaia’s potential to become a major title contender in the 2026 season. Despite a difficult 2025 campaign where Bagnaia struggled with his Ducati GP25, Lorenzo noted encouraging signs from recent test sessions in Sepang that suggest a turnaround is underway.
Bagnaia’s Difficult 2025 Season and Signs of Improvement
Throughout the last season, Bagnaia faced numerous challenges, particularly with handling issues related to the rear end of his bike. This problem significantly affected his performance, causing him to fall behind in the championship standings and deliver what many considered his most inconsistent year in MotoGP. Nonetheless, he still managed moments of brilliance, including a remarkable victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, which highlighted his raw talent despite his struggles.
Lorenzo, who attended the Sepang tests while coaching Maverick Viñales, highlighted Bagnaia’s renewed pace and confidence with the latest Ducati machine. He emphasized the importance of mental strength in racing and likened Bagnaia’s current situation to his own battles against Marc Márquez during his Yamaha years.
“It’s easy for fans to underestimate how a minor adjustment in bike setup or regulations can disrupt everything for a rider,”
Lorenzo stated in an interview with the MotoGP official website.
He recalled the 2014 season when rule changes introducing harder tires and fuel restrictions severely impacted his performance.
“It may not seem significant from the outside, but for me, it made a world of difference, and my results suffered drastically at the start of that season.”
The Mental Aspect’s Role in Bagnaia’s Comeback
Lorenzo stressed that the psychological element is just as critical as the technical side in MotoGP. He believes that once Bagnaia finds strong harmony with his bike, he will return as a powerful contender. This belief is shared by Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi, who noted that Bagnaia has displayed a noteworthy mental shift during the offseason, which could be decisive for his resurgence.
“When he feels more at ease with the bike, he will demonstrate his true potential as a title contender,”
Tardozzi commented, pointing to a positive change in the rider’s mindset.
Lorenzo also suggested that Bagnaia might benefit from exploring new strategies or mental coaching during this recovery phase.
“Finding a new approach or a different strategy can make all the difference when you’re facing adversity,”
he said.
“That’s what I did during my tough times—put in extra effort and constantly sought ways to improve.”
Outlook for Bagnaia and the 2026 MotoGP Season
While Lorenzo admits that he can only guess at Bagnaia’s current mental state, he remains hopeful that the Italian star is actively working on his psychological resilience.
“Ultimately, feeling comfortable on the bike is vital, and it can significantly influence performance on the track,”
Lorenzo concluded.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 MotoGP season, the spotlight will be on Pecco Bagnaia to see if he can fully realize Lorenzo’s forecast and rise back to the forefront of the championship fight. With Marc Márquez once again considered the favorite, Bagnaia’s progress and ability to adapt will be crucial in determining whether he can claim the title and cement his place among the sport’s elite.
