P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Francesco Bagnaia said “maybe we could’ve done it earlier” after Ducati changes helped him dominate the Japanese MotoGP with pole, Sprint and Grand Prix wins.
Francesco Bagnaia experienced a significant turnaround on the GP25 Ducati in the Japanese MotoGP, prompting him to question whether these improvements could have been discovered earlier. Front-end issues plagued Bagnaia throughout a challenging season, leaving him without a podium in the past ten races before Motegi. Ducati implemented unconventional changes after a tough weekend in Misano, leading to a remarkable improvement during testing. Bagnaia’s pace improved significantly during the Misano test, hinting at a potential breakthrough.
Despite initial doubt, Bagnaia’s progress translated to on-track success as he topped practice sessions, secured pole position, and clinched victory in both the Sprint and Grand Prix races. The Italian rider expressed a mix of elation and frustration, acknowledging that the solutions found in Misano could have made a difference earlier in the season. These breakthroughs, implemented during testing, proved beneficial not only in Japan but also in other racing scenarios.
While Bagnaia remained discreet about the specific changes made by Ducati, his improved performance indicated a notable shift in his competitiveness. The modifications tested in Misano had not been thoroughly explored earlier in the year, highlighting the missed opportunities for progress. The uncertain start to the season, compounded by technical decisions and inconsistent testing, ultimately led to a delayed breakthrough for Bagnaia and Ducati.
