Rumours circling the MotoGP paddock have now been confirmed. VR46 group principal Alessio “Uccio” Salucci has admitted that Francesco Bagnaia examined a GP24 Ducati, particularly one belonging to Franco Morbidelli’s VR46 group, throughout the in-season check at Misano. This revelation sheds some new gentle on Bagnaia’s turnaround in kind 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 bundle. 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, turned a pivotal second. Reviews instructed Bagnaia instantly gained as much as 0.7 seconds per lap over his tempo throughout the San Marino GP weekend. That bounce 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 a bit of bit. He tried our bike, Morbidelli’s bike, on the Misano check. Nevertheless, after Monday, the bike returned to our field. And after that, I don’t know [what bike he has been riding since].”
Nevertheless, 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 kind with GP25-derived parts. The laws stop him from switching engines mid-season, so any testing must respect the foundations.
Apparently, Bagnaia himself neither absolutely confirmed nor denied the change. 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 up to now [have given] me extra confidence and extra efficiency,” mentioned Bagnaia, who was seated subsequent to Morbidelli on the time.
“I don’t affirm what you’re saying however I affirm that the suggestions within the Misano check was arriving from some gadgets that we used additionally up to now.”
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 12 months bike underscores how critical Ducati and Bagnaia have been about unravelling his efficiency points. The transfer additionally highlights the flexibleness groups will utilise inside the technical laws to fine-tune rider confidence.
- Technical blurring – As a result of homologation guidelines, Bagnaia’s model of the GP24 was doubtless not “inventory.” Some GP25 components or parts might have already been built-in. The road between “outdated vs new” turns into murky in high-level MotoGP testing.
- Psychological reset – For Bagnaia, the psychological increase from discovering his kind could be as precious because the mechanical enhancements themselves. The sudden leap in tempo at Misano, regardless of the trigger, aligns along with his resurgence in Japan.
- Questions for Ducati – This affirmation raises questions for Ducati: will they contemplate providing Bagnaia additional entry to that chassis? Will Morbidelli’s tools be affected? Will Ducati rethink its method to growth throughout its lineup?
The affirmation from VR46’s Salucci that he examined the GP24 at Misano is a kind of uncommon moments when paddock whispers transition to concrete truth. Whereas Bagnaia’s personal statements stay diplomatic, the proof now helps the narrative that Ducati and its affiliated groups have been making each effort to assist their premier rider rediscover kind.
