MotoGP Rules Block Bagnaia from Using GP24: Ducati Champion's Frustration Revealed

Francesco Bagnaia, source: Motorsport.com

Francesco Bagnaia Reveals MotoGP Regulations Barring Him from Utilizing GP24

Silverstone, UK – Two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia has shed light on a significant technical hurdle he currently faces with his Ducati Desmosedici GP25, specifically regarding his discomfort with the bike's front-end feel. More strikingly, the Italian rider has disclosed that existing regulations effectively prevent him from reverting to the highly successful GP24 specification, a bike that has demonstrated considerable prowess in the hands of other Ducati riders, most notably Alex Marquez. This revelation underscores the intricate balance between team strategy, homologation rules, and a rider's personal preference in the elite world of MotoGP.

Bagnaia's statement serves to reconfirm details previously brought to light by Motorsport.com during the MotoGP weekend in Thailand. The Ducati factory team, it turns out, made a pivotal decision to homologate two distinct engine specifications for the current season: one designated for riders utilizing the latest 2025 prototype (GP25), and another for those competing with the 2024 model (GP24). This strategic choice was not initially a foregone conclusion. Ducati, from Borgo Panigale, had seemingly intended to homologate a singular power unit version, largely based on last year's highly successful machine, which propelled Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Enea Bastianini to an astounding 16 out of 20 victories available in the previous season.

However, a shift in plans occurred between the pre-season tests in Thailand and the opening rounds of the championship. Consequently, riders like Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, and Fabio Di Giannantonio found themselves competing with a different engine specification compared to Alex Marquez, Fermín Aldeguer, and Franco Morbidelli. This divergence in machinery has created a complex dynamic within the Ducati camp, particularly for Bagnaia, who has openly expressed his struggles with the GP25.

Despite his undeniable talent, which allowed him to qualify directly into Q2 (the second qualifying session), partly aided by a slipstream from Marco Bezzecchi, Bagnaia has consistently voiced his unease with the GP25. His primary concern revolves around the sensation he receives from the front of the motorcycle, especially during corner entry. "I still don't have a good feeling with the front of the bike. I can't go fast smoothly. You have to enter corners very quickly, without braking, and that really limits my speed. We have seen how Alex is able to go fast with the 2024 bike," Bagnaia lamented. His frustration was palpable, particularly after finishing seventh in a session, a significant 0.4 seconds behind the younger Marquez, who, on the GP24, proved to be the quickest among them.

The Turin-born rider’s acknowledged difficulties naturally led to inquiries about the possibility of reverting to last year's motorcycle configuration – a setup he clearly favored and one that is yielding excellent results for Alex Marquez. Bagnaia’s unequivocal response confirmed the existence of Ducati's dual-engine homologation strategy. Crucially, he clarified that due to the technical freeze imposed by regulations, he is effectively bound to the engine specification he started the season with.

"I cannot use the 2024 bike because the regulations prohibit it. I am the only GP25 user who previously raced with the GP24," Bagnaia asserted. He further elaborated on what he misses from his previous machine: "What I miss from last year is being able to use the brakes, as I did last year and as those who are riding it now are doing." This statement is telling, implying that the GP25's characteristics require a different braking and corner-entry style that Bagnaia is still struggling to adapt to, unlike the GP24 which allows for a more aggressive or familiar braking technique that suits his riding style.

The implications of this regulatory constraint are far-reaching for Bagnaia and Ducati. As the reigning champion, Bagnaia is expected to lead Ducati's charge for another title. However, if he continues to feel hindered by his machinery, it could potentially impact his performance and the championship battle. The regulations on engine homologation are designed to control development costs and maintain a degree of parity, but in this specific instance, they appear to be creating an unexpected challenge for Ducati's factory rider.

Baca Juga

The situation also highlights the critical role of pre-season testing and the decisions made regarding bike development and homologation. A slight miscalculation or an unexpected riding characteristic can have significant consequences once the season is underway, as major component changes are restricted by the rules. Ducati's decision to homologate two different engine versions, while perhaps aimed at accommodating different rider preferences or developmental paths, has inadvertently created a challenging scenario for their star rider.

For Alex Marquez, riding the GP24 has proven to be an advantage, allowing him to demonstrate impressive pace and consistency. This disparity in performance between the GP25 and GP24 in different riders' hands raises questions about the developmental direction of the factory machine and whether its benefits truly outweigh its challenges for all riders. The paddock will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how Bagnaia and the Ducati factory team manage this situation, particularly as the championship progresses and the stakes become higher.

Ultimately, Francesco Bagnaia's candid remarks underscore the fine margins in MotoGP and the intricate web of technical regulations that govern the sport. His inability to switch back to the GP24 due to homologation rules presents a unique challenge for the two-time champion. The focus will now be on how he and his team can work to overcome the current difficulties with the GP25's front end, either through setup adjustments, rider adaptation, or a future evolution of the prototype within the confines of the established regulations. The championship fight is long, but such technical nuances can often prove decisive in the relentless pursuit of victory.

For more in-depth coverage and ongoing updates regarding the MotoGP season, including rider reactions and technical analysis, refer to Motorsport.com's comprehensive reports.