Francesco Bagnaia’s MotoGP Struggles Deepen: A Baffling Weekend in Australia Leaves Fans Scratching Their Heads
The world of MotoGP is no stranger to drama, but Francesco Bagnaia’s recent performance at the Australian Grand Prix has left fans and pundits alike in a state of bewilderment. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a temporary setback, or a sign of deeper issues that could threaten his future with Ducati? Let’s dive into the details and explore what’s really going on.
The Ducati star faced yet another challenging weekend, finishing a staggering 30 seconds behind the leader in the sprint race. To put that into perspective, his fastest lap was a full two seconds slower than race winner Marco Bezzecchi. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just a bad day; it was a continuation of a puzzling trend that has plagued Bagnaia throughout the season.
Starting 11th on the grid, Bagnaia quickly slipped to 19th by lap four, losing ground to LCR rookie Somkiat Chantra. He managed to regain a position late in the race only because Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer retired. For much of the race, his lap times hovered in the low 1m30s, a far cry from his usual pace. While Phillip Island proved challenging for all Ducati riders, Bagnaia’s struggles were the most pronounced, finishing second-to-last ahead of only test rider Michele Pirro.
The real head-scratcher? Bagnaia’s bike suffered from severe shaking, an issue that has repeatedly surfaced this season. Despite extensive efforts from the team, the root cause remains elusive. “It’s difficult because it’s extremely clear from the data what is happening,” Bagnaia admitted. “The bike is shaking a lot, but we don’t know why.” This isn’t just a technical glitch; it’s a mystery that has left one of MotoGP’s brightest talents feeling like a “passenger” on his own bike.
Adding to the intrigue, Bagnaia experienced a bizarre phenomenon on Friday. Riding two identical bikes, he found one to his liking, earning a direct entry into Q2, while the other left him significantly off the pace. However, even his preferred bike failed him when it mattered most, leaving him struggling in qualifying and the sprint. “I wasn’t able to ride the bike,” he said. “I was just trying to control the shaking.”
Here’s where the controversy heats up: Bagnaia’s long-running issues have sparked questions about his future with Ducati. With his contract expiring at the end of 2026, can he afford another season like this? When asked, Bagnaia acknowledged the challenge but pointed to his strong performance at Motegi as proof of his capabilities. “We know that in a normal situation, we are able to fight,” he said. But the inconsistency remains a concern. Why does he excel in some races and struggle in others? Is it the bike, the setup, or something else entirely?
To make matters worse, Bagnaia will start Sunday’s race from 14th place due to a three-place grid penalty for impeding another rider in qualifying. With the odds stacked against him, the pressure is on to deliver a strong performance and silence the doubters.
Thought-provoking question for you: Is Bagnaia’s struggle a result of technical issues beyond his control, or is there more to the story? Could this be a turning point in his career, or the beginning of the end of his time with Ducati? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s spark a debate!
Photos from the Australian GP capture the intensity of the weekend, showcasing the highs and lows of MotoGP racing. From Bagnaia’s perplexed expressions to the thrilling moments on the track, it’s a weekend that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons—at least for the Ducati team.
As we look ahead, one thing is clear: Bagnaia and Ducati have their work cut out for them. The clock is ticking, and the answers can’t come soon enough. Will they solve the puzzle in time, or will this season go down as a missed opportunity? Only time will tell.
