The atmosphere at the Lusail International Circuit is tense, not only due to the impending championship showdown but also because of the enigma surrounding Pecco Bagnaia. The two-time world champion has been under the spotlight following his baffling remarks regarding his Ducati machine after a lackluster Malaysian Grand Prix.
After finishing 13th in Sepang with a final lap slower than the Moto2 field, Bagnaia claimed that a technical solution that previously worked on his bike had 'ceased to exist' since the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. The statement caused internal confusion, with Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi admitting he had no idea what the rider was referring to.
Facing the media in Qatar, Bagnaia provided an even more perplexing explanation. "I can’t get the media to talk about me because of good results, so I looked for another way, and it was a good move," he stated. "People are still talking about it a lot; it worked."
Beyond the media games, Bagnaia is aiming for a top-six finish at Lusail, provided he can work effectively with his team. The 2026 season has been a steep decline for the Italian since the summer break, standing in stark contrast to the dominance of Marc Marquez, who currently leads the standings with a 44-point advantage.
Away from the technical woes, Bagnaia also addressed his concerns regarding safety in Qatar. He was one of 19 riders who signed a letter to MotoGP expressing apprehension about racing amid regional tensions. "I can’t hide the fact that I was a bit worried about coming here, but I decided to trust MotoGP, IRTA, and the organisers completely," he concluded.
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