MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Francesco Bagnaia has set a clear objective for the 2026 MotoGP season with Ducati: consistent top-three finishes at every round, after admitting that finishing third late last year felt “like a miracle.”
At last season’s Thai opener, Bagnaia secured a pair of third-place finishes but left frustrated. Over the first half of the campaign, he stood on the third step of the podium ten times, alongside a victory at COTA and a runner-up finish in Qatar, while struggling to regain full corner-entry confidence on the GP25.
However, the second half of 2025 saw sharp inconsistency. Although he claimed three race wins, Bagnaia failed to score points on 13 other occasions and ultimately dropped to fifth in the world championship standings. The volatility transformed podium finishes from routine outcomes into rare achievements.
Pre-season testing of the GP26 has indicated improved stability. At Buriram, Bagnaia posted the fourth-fastest lap time and demonstrated competitive Sprint simulation pace, beaten only by Trackhouse Aprilia rider Ai Ogura.
“I’m looking forward. The test went well. We had time to test everything and with good potential.
“Much more prepared than last year.
“But let’s see, because last year I finished third here. And in the last part of the season, to finish third was like a miracle. So I need to try to work well and be ready to fight for it.”
Reflecting on last year’s challenges, the Italian described the campaign as a valuable learning experience that has reshaped his mindset heading into 2026.
“Last year was a good lesson for me. Because sometimes you can adapt to things, but sometimes it's impossible to adapt.
“So remaining more calm, working better, with a better mentality, and just try to enjoy every result as the best you can – that will be the mindset.”
Technically, Bagnaia believes the GP26 offers a solid baseline, though he still sees room for incremental gains over a race weekend.
“I think I still have some margin, some areas that during the weekend I would like to work on. But right now, I don’t have much more to ask from the bike.”
He also acknowledged a shift in riding approach, no longer relying solely on braking performance — once his primary strength — as a competitive advantage.
“Now everyone is braking super hard, so I’m starting to use other areas that are competitive with our bike.”
As a factory Ducati rider, Bagnaia accepts that expectations are clear and uncompromising.
“I’m in the factory Ducati team, so best bike, and the results need to be top three every weekend. That’s the objective, but I want to start calmly and keep improving myself.”
With a more composed mentality and a technically refined package beneath him, 2026 will determine whether Bagnaia can transform podium finishes from “miracles” into standard outcomes in his renewed title pursuit.
Baca Juga
Marc Marquez mengaku cedera bahu memaksanya memakai aero Ducati 2024 di awal MotoGP 2026 jelang seri Thailand.
Fabio Quartararo menegaskan keputusan 2027 sudah jelas dan mengaku Yamaha V4 masih tertinggal jelang MotoGP Thailand 2026.
Francesco Bagnaia menargetkan finis tiga besar setiap pekan MotoGP 2026 setelah musim lalu menyebut podium terasa seperti keajaiban.
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