Rumours circling the MotoGP paddock have now been confirmed. VR46 staff principal Alessio “Uccio” Salucci has admitted that Francesco Bagnaia examined a GP24 Ducati, particularly one belonging to Franco Morbidelli’s VR46 staff, in the course of the in-season check at Misano. This revelation sheds some new gentle on Bagnaia’s turnaround in type after a turbulent mid-season stretch.
Bagnaia’s Struggles and Misano Turnaround
For a lot of the 2025 season, he has publicly acknowledged difficulties with front-end really feel and confidence on the newer GP25 package deal. His performances fluctuated, and plenty of within the paddock speculated about whether or not he would possibly fall again on older, extra acquainted parts.
The Misano check, held instantly after the San Marino Grand Prix, grew to become a pivotal second. Experiences recommended Bagnaia all of the sudden gained as much as 0.7 seconds per lap over his tempo in the course of the San Marino GP weekend. That soar in efficiency set the stage for his resurgent exhibiting in Japan, the place he claimed a double win from pole in Motegi.
What Salucci Confirmed And What He Didn’t
Throughout FP1 forward of the Indonesian GP, Dorna pit-lane reporter Jack Appleyard pressed Salucci about VR46’s involvement at Misano. Salucci responded: “Ducati requested us, so we helped Pecco slightly bit. He tried our bike, Morbidelli’s bike, on the Misano check. Nonetheless, after Monday, the bike returned to our field. And after that, I don’t know [what bike he has been riding since].”
Nonetheless, Salucci was ambiguous about how a lot of the bike was of the unique specification. It stays unclear whether or not Bagnaia ran Morbidelli’s GP24 in its full configuration or a hybrid type with GP25-derived components. The rules forestall him from switching engines mid-season, so any testing must respect the principles.
Apparently, Bagnaia himself neither totally confirmed nor denied the swap. When requested in regards to the rumours, he replied:
“The factor is that within the Misano check we determined to attempt various things that additionally previously [have given] me extra confidence and extra efficiency,” stated Bagnaia, who was seated subsequent to Morbidelli on the time.
“I don’t verify what you’re saying however I verify that the suggestions within the Misano check was arriving from some gadgets that we used additionally previously.”
Learn Extra: Comeback Full: Márquez Returns to Glory With Seventh Motogp Title in Japan
Implications And What It Means Going Ahead For Bagnaia
- Desperation meets innovation – Permitting Bagnaia to check a previous yr bike underscores how severe Ducati and Bagnaia had been about unravelling his efficiency points. The transfer additionally highlights the flexibleness groups will utilise throughout the technical rules to fine-tune rider confidence.
- Technical blurring – As a consequence of homologation guidelines, Bagnaia’s model of the GP24 was doubtless not “inventory.” Some GP25 elements or parts might have already been built-in. The road between “previous vs new” turns into murky in high-level MotoGP testing.
- Psychological reset – For Bagnaia, the psychological enhance from discovering his type could be as worthwhile because the mechanical enhancements themselves. The sudden leap in tempo at Misano, regardless of the trigger, aligns together with his resurgence in Japan.
- Questions for Ducati – This affirmation raises questions for Ducati: will they think about providing Bagnaia additional entry to that chassis? Will Morbidelli’s tools be affected? Will Ducati rethink its method to improvement throughout its lineup?
The affirmation from VR46’s Salucci that he examined the GP24 at Misano is a type of uncommon moments when paddock whispers transition to concrete reality. Whereas Bagnaia’s personal statements stay diplomatic, the proof now helps the narrative that Ducati and its affiliated groups had been making each effort to assist their premier rider rediscover type.
