Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia shared that the early signs from the 2026 GP26 prototype during the Sepang MotoGP test are promising, though he remains cautious about his current performance. Testing on Tuesday marked the first day of pre-season activity in Malaysia, where Bagnaia focused on gathering data and adjusting to new components ahead of the upcoming season.
After a challenging 2025 season that saw the double MotoGP world champion finish fifth with only two wins, Bagnaia’s return to testing has sparked a sense of hope. Last year, he struggled to find consistent confidence, particularly with the front-end grip of the Ducati package, but initial indications from the new bike have been more positive.
Details from the Opening Day and New Developments on the Bike
Bagnaia ended Tuesday’s session in eighth place overall, experimenting extensively with new parts including a notably redesigned aerodynamic fairing. He spent the morning concentrating on re-establishing his feel for the bike and testing with medium and soft tires.
First of all, it’s always fantastic being back on a MotoGP bike,
Bagnaia said after completing the session.
The speed and the power the bike gives you is something incredible. So, I really enjoyed it from lap one. We had time enough to make a lot of laps using both tyres, medium and soft. In the morning, we were focused on finding my feelings, that was important from last year.
– Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati MotoGP rider
He added that the day’s work then shifted toward evaluating new components and aerodynamic solutions.
And then we were focused on testing new things, new parts, new fairing. I’m happy, positive first day. Right now, the balance is positive.
– Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati MotoGP rider
Progress on Handling and Comparing Fairing Options
One of Bagnaia’s biggest challenges last season was a lack of front-end stability, which caused him difficulty pushing the bike at its limit. He noted there are signs of improvement on the new GP26 but urged patience before drawing firm conclusions given the unpredictable nature of preseason testing.
Luckily, yes, but last year here I was fast and competitive,
he reflected.
So, right now we just need to focus more on understanding new things. And then see if for Thailand we can take something as an advantage to start the season.
– Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati MotoGP rider
When comparing the fresh aerodynamic fairing against the older design, Bagnaia reported that lap times were very similar, with each having advantages and drawbacks depending on different sections of the track.
It’s like always: some areas better, some areas worse,
he explained.
Honestly, I did the same lap time with both fairings. So, it’s more or less similar. If the race was tomorrow, I could be with some doubts about the front fairing.
– Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati MotoGP rider
Despite the uncertainty over which fairing may ultimately be favored, Bagnaia expressed satisfaction with the competitive performance shown so far.
But as a first test, as the first laps we did, it was competitive.
– Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati MotoGP rider
Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Season and Development
Bagnaia’s cautious yet optimistic approach highlights the fine margins at the start of a new MotoGP campaign. With further testing scheduled before the opening race in Thailand, the team will continue refining the bike’s balance and components. The results of these early sessions could prove critical in closing the gap to rivals and regaining championship-winning form for the 2026 season.
