Pecco Bagnaia concluded Barcelona's post-season testing with mixed feelings. If the defeat in the world championship was difficult to digest, the Italian rider was satisfied with the progress made with the new Ducati GP25 and the start of a close relationship with his new teammate Marc Marquez.
After a 2024 season marked by a fierce fight for the title, Pecco Bagnaia concluded the year on a positive note during pre-season testing in Montmelò. Although he finished the day in third position, behind Alex
Marquez et Fabio Quartararothe pilot
Ducati expressed his satisfaction with the evolution of the GP25 and showed a calm state of mind in the face of the loss of his title.
« It was a positive day“, said Bagnaiawho tested several configurations of the GP25 and GP24. “ We tested everything that needed to be testedand above all, we have clearly seen what engineers will have to focus on this winter. » The work carried out with
Marc Marquezhis new teammate, also paid off, with the Italian emphasizing that their impressions were similar, especially when it came to braking. “ We have the same requests, which makes the work faster, because we are both looking for the same sensations“, explained
Bagnaia which states: “ we have two different driving styles, but when it comes to braking we are very similar. We are two drivers who rely a lot on the brakes, putting a lot of stress on them, so we were looking for the same sensations.”
Pecco Bagnaia: « if I had to race tomorrow I would take the GP24, but the potential of the new bike is promising »
However, not everything was perfect. “ The GP25 has great qualities, particularly in terms of speed and stabilitybut there are still areas for improvement, such as
corner entry and brakingwhere I still prefer the GP24“, he added. But despite these upcoming adjustments, Bagnaia remains optimistic for 2025: “ if I had to race tomorrow I would take the GP24, but the potential of the new bike is promising. »
The pilot Ducati also shared his thoughts on his state of mind after losing the title. “ I wasn't frustrated, I know why I lost. I accepted the situation after Malaysia.
But testing without being world champion allows me to concentrate more on the bike“, confessed
Bagnaiawho removed the number 1 from his fairing himself. “ I wanted to do it myself, it was important to me. Monday afternoon, I went to lunch at the sea then I walked 10 km on the beach. It was really good and freed me up for the test. »
The day of testing concluded with the applause of the Montmelò public, a gesture that Bagnaia warmly welcomed. “ I'm happy, it's a nice gesture“, he said. “ This year we sent a good message to the fanswe have created an exciting rivalry and that is what makes MotoGP so special. »
With winter approaching and the Sepang tests on the horizon,
Bagnaia remains focused and confident for the upcoming season, with the firm intention of coming back stronger and regaining the lost title.
MotoGP, Barcelona Test: times
