A bold statement from Francesco Bagnaia has sparked intrigue and debate among MotoGP fans. Despite a disappointing start to the 2026 season, Bagnaia remains unperturbed, claiming he's "not that worried" about his lack of results. But here's where it gets controversial...
Bagnaia, a three-time world champion, arrived at the Buriram circuit in Thailand with high hopes. After a challenging 2025 campaign, he aimed to bounce back and prove his worth. Pre-season testing seemed promising, with Bagnaia finding comfort and confidence on the GP26 bike. However, the Italian's rhythm deserted him during the Buriram weekend, resulting in a disappointing 13th-place grid position and a struggle to make any significant progress in the race.
Explaining his recent troubles, Bagnaia highlighted his tyre management strategy. "I never pushed because I couldn't. I was just trying to control the rear tyre," he said. The unusually hot conditions in Thailand, with track temperatures reaching a scorching 58°C, added to his challenges.
But Bagnaia's optimism remains unwavering. He doesn't view his ninth-place finish as a cause for concern, instead seeing it as a foundation to build upon. "Finishing the season as I did last year was important to restart and rebuild my speed," he explained. "It's a starting point, and I'm not overly worried about my result."
The Ducati team's relative lack of competitiveness at Buriram only adds to Bagnaia's challenges. He began the new season still carrying the weight of a miserable end to 2025, where he failed to finish the final five races. Despite these setbacks, Bagnaia remains focused and determined.
And this is the part most people miss... Bagnaia's struggles are not solely due to his performance. The Ducati bike's handling characteristics, particularly its reduced turning ability, played a significant role. "Controlling the tyre was difficult because the bike was turning less," he explained. "It was a challenge to manage the rear tyre with the throttle."
So, what's next for Bagnaia and Ducati? Can they turn their fortunes around and reclaim their dominance? Or will they continue to struggle against the likes of Marc Marquez and the impressive Marco Bezzecchi on the Aprilia?
Join the discussion! What are your thoughts on Bagnaia's situation? Do you think he can bounce back and challenge for the championship? Share your opinions in the comments below and let's spark a lively debate!
