Bagnaia Brake Issues, Ducati Tests Fix at MotoGP Japan

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo revealed he can brake harder at the 2025 Japan MotoGP at Motegi Circuit thanks to solutions from the recent Misano test, which included "things never in our thoughts." The Italian rider started the weekend strongly, topping FP1 for the first time this season, and finished seventh in Practice, securing direct entry to Qualifying 2.

After struggling to match his 2024 race and lap times this season, Bagnaia was 0.2 seconds faster than last year’s Friday at Motegi, where he won both races. "We tested different things in Misano, which we already had but never got to try during the season," Bagnaia told Sky Italy. "Today I felt good braking, compared to last year I was braking a bit harder."

Unexpected Innovations from Misano Test

Bagnaia didn’t specify the altered parts—rumored to involve the fork, chassis, or ride-height—but confirmed they were used in pre-season testing. "We’ve been chasing feel all year and had to try things that had never been in our thoughts. I think that test day was crucial," he added. These changes seem to address his previous front-end issues on different tracks.

Finishing just 0.16 seconds behind teammate Marc Marquez, who could clinch the 2025 title on Sunday, Bagnaia faced technical issues early in the afternoon session. "We lost 15 minutes in the first part due to some [technical] issues, but apart from that, I was riding smoothly and confidently," he said. He also experimented with new riding styles, enabled by harder braking, though he admitted to possibly overdoing it.

Focus on Qualifying and Sprint

With no podium in the past five rounds, Bagnaia keeps expectations realistic. "We can be happy, but it’s only Friday. We have to wait for qualifying and especially the Sprint, where I usually struggle the most," he noted. His goal is a top-five finish in Saturday’s sprint, critical for the Sunday Grand Prix.

As of 11:35 PM WIB on September 26, 2025, Bagnaia and Ducati appear poised to optimize performance on day two. The pressure from home fans of Honda and Yamaha adds intensity, but these innovations could provide a competitive edge.