Davide Tardozzi: Bagnaia a “Different” Rider for 2026

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Francesco Bagnaia has returned to the Ducati garage with a renewed mindset ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season, according to Davide Tardozzi, who describes the Italian as “completely different” compared to his difficult 2025 campaign.

Last season marked Bagnaia’s toughest year in factory colours with the Ducati Lenovo Team. Struggling to extract consistent performance from the Desmosedici GP25, the double world champion managed only two grand prix victories and finished a distant fifth in the championship. In contrast, team-mate Marc Marquez capitalised on the same machinery to secure his seventh world title.

The downturn followed a 2024 season in which Bagnaia claimed 11 grand prix wins and narrowly missed out on a third consecutive championship. Tardozzi believes the winter break allowed Bagnaia to recalibrate mentally and return with the attitude that defined his earlier success.

“When he came back from the winter break, I found a completely different Pecco, with a different mentality — reminiscent of the 2024 version,” Tardozzi told MotoGP.com.

He highlighted the importance of close dialogue between Bagnaia and Ducati’s technical leadership, particularly general manager Gigi Dall’Igna, in rebuilding confidence after the setbacks of 2025.

“He’s a very intelligent rider. We speak a lot with him, especially Gigi, and since the Valencia test he has already regained the right mental attitude. We’re very happy because we know we have a very competitive Pecco.”

Technically, Bagnaia’s primary concern with the GP25 centred on front-end confidence, particularly in braking stability and corner entry feedback. Initial impressions of the GP26 prototype during the Valencia test indicated improvements in that area. Those gains appeared to carry over into the Sepang test, where Bagnaia delivered an encouraging sprint simulation.

Despite the apparent resurgence in form, his long-term future at Ducati remains uncertain. The factory squad is widely expected to field a line-up of Marquez and Pedro Acosta from 2027, prompting speculation over Bagnaia’s next move.

Strong rumours following the Sepang test suggest a potential switch to Aprilia Racing, possibly alongside fellow VR46 Academy member Marco Bezzecchi.

With renewed confidence and technical adjustments underway, the 2026 season could prove decisive for Bagnaia — both in his pursuit of another championship and in shaping the next phase of his MotoGP career.