“Our Bike Still Needs Something to Be Better” Francesco Bagnaia Reflects on Ducati’s Performance
Francesco Bagnaia, reigning MotoGP world champion and one of Ducati’s star riders, has always been known for his technical insight and dedication to improving the performance of his bike. As the 2024 MotoGP season progresses, Bagnaia’s assessment of his Ducati Desmosedici has been clear: it’s good, but not perfect. In recent interviews, the Italian rider has emphasized that, despite its dominance in several races, the bike still needs some fine-tuning to consistently outperform rivals in every race condition. This level of self-reflection, even after a successful season, shows just how committed Bagnaia is to pushing both himself and his machine to the next level.
Bagnaia’s journey to becoming one of the top MotoGP riders has been one of perseverance and growth. After working his way through the ranks of Moto3 and Moto2, Bagnaia became the 2018 Moto2 World Champion, earning him a spot on the Ducati factory team in MotoGP. In 2022, he claimed his first MotoGP world title, marking a triumphant moment for both him and Ducati, which had been chasing this success for several years.
Bagnaia’s combination of raw talent, relentless work ethic, and strategic thinking makes him a standout figure in the sport. His ability to analyze his bike’s performance, combined with his close collaboration with Ducati’s engineers, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the bike’s competitiveness on the track. Yet, despite his successes, Bagnaia remains candid about the challenges he faces and the improvements he believes the team can still make.
The Ducati Desmosedici has long been one of the most powerful and competitive machines on the MotoGP grid. Known for its incredible top speed and acceleration, the Desmosedici has been a weapon on fast circuits with long straights. Its V4 engine is often considered the strongest in the paddock, and its advanced aerodynamics have given Ducati an edge in cornering stability.
However, Bagnaia has pointed out that there are areas where the bike can still improve, especially in terms of handling in tighter corners and its overall flexibility in adapting to different track conditions. In his view, the bike’s power is both a blessing and a curse: while it allows him to dominate on circuits that favor speed, it can be difficult to manage in races that demand a more balanced approach between power and handling.
“Our bike is fast, no doubt,” Bagnaia explained in a recent press conference. “But we still need something more to be better, especially in certain corners and on tracks that aren’t suited to our strengths. We’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s always room for improvement.”
Bagnaia’s desire for improvement isn’t unique among top riders, but his approach stands out for its precision and thoughtfulness. He often spends time with Ducati’s engineers, discussing everything from tire pressure to suspension settings, seeking small but impactful adjustments. For Bagnaia, the quest for perfection is never-ending, and he understands that even the smallest improvements can make the difference between winning and finishing further down the podium.
One area where Bagnaia has voiced a need for improvement is in the bike’s braking performance. MotoGP races often come down to fractions of a second, and the ability to brake late and effectively is crucial. While the Ducati’s speed is unparalleled, Bagnaia believes that improving its braking stability would allow him to carry more speed into corners, making him even more competitive in races where overtaking opportunities are limited.
“Our braking is good, but it could be better,” Bagnaia said. “In MotoGP, every little detail counts. If we can find a way to make the bike more stable under braking, especially when we’re pushing hard into corners, it will give us a big advantage.”
Bagnaia’s comments come at a time when the competition in MotoGP is fiercer than ever. While Ducati has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, with several victories and podium finishes, rivals such as Yamaha, Honda, and Aprilia are constantly working to close the gap. Riders like Fabio Quartararo, Marc Márquez, and Aleix Espargaró are always pushing the limits of their machines, forcing Bagnaia and Ducati to stay on the cutting edge of innovation.
The introduction of new regulations and technological advancements in the sport has also made it more challenging for teams to maintain a consistent advantage. Innovations in aerodynamics, electronics, and tire performance mean that teams must be adaptable and willing to experiment with different setups. Bagnaia has been at the forefront of these changes, working closely with Ducati to find the best balance between power, handling, and tire management.
“The competition is always getting tougher,” Bagnaia noted. “We can’t afford to stand still. Every race is a new challenge, and we have to keep evolving if we want to stay at the top.”
As Bagnaia continues to push for improvements, he remains optimistic about Ducati’s future. He acknowledges the progress the team has made over the past few years but believes that there is still untapped potential in both the bike and his own performance. With each race, Bagnaia and his team analyze data, experiment with new settings, and refine their approach in the pursuit of perfection.
For Bagnaia, the MotoGP season is not just a test of skill but also a constant learning process. Every race offers valuable lessons, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. His desire for improvement reflects the mindset of a true champion—never satisfied with the status quo and always looking for ways to be better.
As the 2024 MotoGP season unfolds, all eyes will be on Francesco Bagnaia as he continues to lead the charge for Ducati. With his relentless drive for perfection and a deep understanding of what it takes to win, there’s no doubt that Bagnaia will remain a formidable force on the track. Whether or not his quest for the perfect bike will be realized remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Francesco Bagnaia’s journey is far from over, and he’s not done pushing the limits of what’s possible in MotoGP.
