Ducati supports Bagnaia despite a disastrous season: "He needs our help"

This year again, Ducati has imposed its dominance over the other brands by MotoGPFueled by the exploits of Marc Márquez, world champion in Japan, Borgo Panigale won each of the titles at stake (Riders, Teams and Constructors), for the third time in its history, after the 2007 and 2022 seasons.

In the future, however, things could get more complicated. Aprilia seems to be getting back in the game, and the 2026 season might see a duel between the two manufacturers. Until then, the Ducati camp is delighted to have completed another extraordinary year. Naturally pleased, team principal Davide Tardozzi gives a positive assessment of the Bologna factory team's season.

“We are very proud, because what Marc has done is fantastic,” the Italian confided on MotoGP.com. Winning the championship, and the triple crown, is something that makes us proud of our engineers, our mechanics, and our drivers in general. I already said during the season that the first thing that impressed me about Marc was the guy, more than the professional. His humanity, the way he leads the team. The way he works with his engineers and mechanics. It's something I'd never seen before. It's one of his greatest qualities. There's nothing to say about his driving. He did everything perfectly, and even when he made mistakes, he knew how to fix them. No doubt he made us very happy to have chosen him last year.

Ducati comes to the aid of Pecco Bagnaia

On the other side of the garage, however, the picture is less rosy. Fifth in the overall standings after a disastrous end to the season, Pecco Bagnaia was Ducati's Achilles' heel in 2025, hampered by a critical lack of braking feel on the latest version of the Desmosedici GP. It's just a shame that Pecco didn't perform as we know he can. He had a good first half of the season. He had an incredible race in Japan, but he faced problems in the other races that prevented him from being at his best. The balance is good, because we've won everything, but we're paying close attention to what isn't working, and therefore to Pecco. adds Davide Tardozzi.

He pursues : “It’s sad. It’s difficult. I love Pecco; he’s the most important rider in Ducati’s history because he won two titles with us. In over 31 races. He needs our help. I know that Gigi [Dall’Igna] and everyone at Ducati Corse are working to find a solution together with him, and to have a complete 2026 season.” different. »

The goal will therefore be to start next season with two riders at the top of their game, brimming with confidence on their machines to take on Noale. Aprilia, however, faces a similar challenge, boasting a Marco Bezzecchi in peak form, but a Jorge Martín hampered by injuries this season.

ALSO READ > Ducati's incredible season in numbers