Pecco Bagnaia Hopes to Avoid Mandalika Struggles at 2025 Australian MotoGP

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Two-time MotoGP world champion Pecco Bagnaia is “just hoping” to rediscover his form at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, targeting a podium at Phillip Island. The Ducati Corse rider expects to gauge his prospects from “the first lap” of FP1, following a dismal performance at the Indonesian Grand Prix.

Bagnaia arrives in Australia after hitting a season low in Mandalika, where he trailed by nearly 30 seconds in the Sprint Race and crashed out of the main race. This contrasted sharply with his victory just a week prior in Japan, attributed to fitting his GP25 with key GP24 components, notably the ride height device.

Despite claiming the bike was “theoretically” identical in Mandalika as in Motegi, Bagnaia found no explanation for his struggles. Sportrik Media’s in-depth analysis highlights technical inconsistencies as a major hurdle for Ducati this season, particularly on demanding tracks like Phillip Island.

Podium Hopes Amid Weather Concerns

Speaking Thursday at Phillip Island, Bagnaia expressed cautious optimism. “It’s a good track, always been competitive here,” he said. “Not the easiest for me, but the last three seasons we were able to finish on the podium. So, the objective is to be on the podium.”

However, he acknowledged potential weather challenges. “We will have to understand the situation with the weather because it looks that it will be quite windy in these days,” he added. Forecasts of strong Sunday winds heighten concerns, given Phillip Island’s notorious conditions.

Bagnaia hopes to recapture his Motegi form. “I really hope to find the same feeling as Motegi so I can fight for it. If not, if it will be like in Mandalika, it will be a tough weekend,” he stated. He expects clarity from “the first lap” in FP1, with a team meeting scheduled shortly after to strategize.

Transitioning from Mandalika’s woes to a competitive home stretch, Bagnaia and Ducati face pressure to resolve technical issues swiftly. Sportrik Media notes the upcoming team meeting as pivotal for aligning race plans.

Explaining the Mandalika Crash

Addressing his Indonesian Grand Prix crash for the first time, Bagnaia revealed the root issue. “Unluckily, this season when the bike isn’t working, like in Mandalika or Misano or Silverstone, the bike pushes a lot,” he explained. “The inertia pushes a lot. You need to force more on the steering on the bike and you just lose it.”

This points to technical challenges with Ducati’s setup on certain tracks, where excessive inertia disrupts stability. It complicates Bagnaia’s efforts to maintain competitive pace, especially on precision-driven circuits like Phillip Island.

Moreover, the Motegi success underscores the critical role of components like the ride height device. These inconsistencies remain a focal point for Ducati to ensure Bagnaia’s podium contention.

Outlook for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix

Thus, the Australian Grand Prix is a critical test for Bagnaia to demonstrate technical and mental resilience. Sportrik Media assesses that a strong FP1 showing will signal whether Ducati has overcome Mandalika’s issues. Replicating Motegi’s form could secure a podium, bolstering Bagnaia’s runner-up fight against Alex Marquez.

Phillip Island’s unpredictable weather adds strategic complexity, demanding smart tire choices and bike setups. With three consecutive podiums here, Bagnaia has a strong foundation to rebound.

Sportrik Media will closely follow Bagnaia’s Australian performance, offering deep insights into team strategy and weather adaptation.