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MotoGP legend says Pecco Bagnaia must follow “long road to get results”
Former MotoGP world champion Kevin Schwantz believes that Pecco Bagnaia of Ducati must rely on his own efforts and not solely on Marc Marquez’s data to be competitive in 2026. Bagnaia, a double MotoGP champion, was expected to challenge Marquez for the championship in 2025 but struggled with front-end confidence and finished fifth in standings. Bagnaia’s inconsistent performance was troubling for Ducati, with suggestions that his mental state suffered as Marquez’s teammate. Schwantz acknowledges the challenges Bagnaia faces but emphasizes the need for him to focus solely on his own needs and desires. Despite the difficulties, Bagnaia showed promise during a recent test in Valencia, and Ducati is gearing up for the official team launch in Italy on January 19, 2026.
