Francesco Bagnaia delivered a generally positive performance during the Sepang MotoGP test, finishing the combined timesheet in sixth place among a competitive field. Despite this, the Italian rider acknowledged uncertainties about certain aspects of his performance, especially after experiencing a pace drop-off during a Sprint simulation on the final day. The test, held over three days, gave Bagnaia a chance to regain confidence he had lost earlier in the 2025 MotoGP season.
Test Results and Sprint Simulation Insights
Bagnaia ended the session behind Ducati teammates Alex Marquez, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Marc Marquez, as well as Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi and Honda’s Joan Mir. After the first day, he expressed satisfaction at having rediscovered front-end feel on the bike. However, he noted concerns over his slight loss of pace during the Sprint race simulation on day three. Reflecting on the simulation, Bagnaia shared with MotoGP.com,
“Honestly, we worked well, we tested the things in a good way and, finally, when I did the simulation of the Sprint I was very happy because I was able to remain constant. I just lost a bit of time in the last three laps, and I already asked to the team to say to me what I did wrong to lose that amount of time.”
He added,
“But I’m quite sure that we did a very good job. All the things we tried are already more or less decided, so in Thailand we will have more clear ideas.” – Francesco Bagnaia, Rider
Comparing This Year’s Sprint to Last Year’s Victory
Bagnaia contrasted this year’s Sprint simulation with his 2025 Sprint win at Sepang, where he initially struggled.
“Last year it’s true that I won, but I was struggling quite a bit here last year. I was out of the first 10 in the first day, then I did the pole position but with a not very fast lap, then the Sprint race was fast but not that fast,”
he explained.
“So, here I was more comfortable on my bike, I was riding smoother and it was easier for me to remain constant with the lap times. But the condition was incredible and the more the time was going the more it was better.”
He further noted,
“So, we just decided to do the Sprint simulation in a more difficult moment with the temperature, but it was decided to have the worst condition. In any case, super-happy with the job done.” – Francesco Bagnaia, Rider
Evaluating Ducati’s Aerodynamic Configurations
Ducati focused heavily on assessing different aerodynamic setups throughout the test, with various fairing combinations used across its GP26 riders. Options included an all-new setup featuring side fairings first introduced at Valencia along with innovative front wings tested by Michele Pirro during the Shakedown, the Valencia side-fairing paired with 2025 front wings, and the complete 2024 and 2025 fairing specifications.
Bagnaia revealed a preference for a hybrid setup that integrates updated fairings.
“It’s a mix of new fairings,”
he stated.
“It’s an update from the 2025, but similar. So, it’s not already decided, but I think if we were doing the race tomorrow I was deciding to go with the specification I was using in the simulation.”
When asked if this meant the 2024-style front wings combined with the new side fairing, Bagnaia confirmed, “More or less, yes.”
Looking Ahead to the Buriram Test in Thailand
Bagnaia emphasized the importance of the upcoming test at Buriram on February 21–22, recalling struggles caused by technical difficulties at last year’s session there. “Thailand will be super-important,” he said, stressing the need for a strong start.
“Last year was a nightmare for me, so it’s important to start well on the test.”
On preparation for the forthcoming event, he noted,
“Working well, but not that much, using the base we had here and trying already to set some performance for the race weekend.” – Francesco Bagnaia, Rider
Implications for Bagnaia and Ducati’s 2026 Campaign
The Sepang test provided both reassurance and challenges for Francesco Bagnaia as he and Ducati develop their approach ahead of the new season. While he has regained some of the confidence lost during the previous year, his concerns over the Sprint pace dropoff and fine-tuning the aerodynamic package signal ongoing work is needed. The choices made in Thailand following Buriram will be crucial in clarifying the bike’s direction and setting the foundation for competitive race weekends.
With key Ducati riders including Alex and Marc Marquez also closely monitoring developments, the battle for optimal setups will continue through the early 2026 tests. Bagnaia’s performance in these forthcoming sessions will likely shape expectations about his championship prospects and the team’s potential to challenge across the season.
