Neil Hodgson has pointed out what Francesco Bagnaia will miss at the Italian Grand Prix as he leads the Ducati charge in qualifying as Marc Marquez returns from injury.
Both races this weekend promise to be a showdown between the two Italian MotoGP factories, with Aprilia locking down the front row and Ducati Do the same thing in the second row.
Marco Bezecchi goes fast in Mugello Q2! Who is your favorite to win the Italian Grand Prix?
Championship leader Marco Bezecic took his second pole position of the season at Mugello with a new lap record, and Raul Fernandez and title rival Jorge Martin joined at the front of the pack.
Bezechichi’s record-setting lap was captured immediately Mark MarquezThe third sector of the district based in Tuscany found it difficult to keep up with the high physical characteristics.
The Spaniard will start from P4 in the Sprint race and Grand Prix, after he surprisingly qualified the rest of the riders in the Ducati stable, including his factory team-mate. Francesco Bagnaia.
Neil Hodgson thinks Francesco Bagnaia has lost his explosiveness in MotoGP
Season TNT Sports Eligibility coverage by Italian Grand PrixMotoGP pundit Neil Hodgson Bagnaia was puzzled by his lack of speed during his first flight.
The Italian is a three-time Grand Prix winner and former pole sitter at the circuit, but his grid P6 slot at Mugello is a far cry from his usual form.
Is Aprilia making a mistake in signing Francesco Bagna for 2027?
After pundit Gavin Emmet questioned whether the #63-adorned bike was fitted with hot tyres, Bagnaia put him three places behind Marquez in P10 in his first qualifying attempt, and Hodgson replied: “Yes, I think so.”
“He just didn’t do it … he got everybody out, but he didn’t attack him at all. We’ve seen him do that. He seems to have that explosiveness, come out and push hard. Bagnaia, with his size, when he’s so confident, he’s able to do that.
Bagnaia’s form for Ducati over the past 12 months has sparked a number of discussions over his confidence in the sport, having previously battled for the title in all his campaigns with the Borgo Pangale-based constructor.
With a move to factory Aprilia clothing on the horizon for him in 2027, Team Ambassador Max Biaggi is expecting a ‘rejuvenated’ Bagnaia next season..
Silvan Guintoli shares his concerns about Francesco Bagnaia’s performance in the Italian GP.
Hodgson’s Fellow, Sylvan GuintoliHe expressed his concern over his performance at Bagnaya, judging his chances over fences in both races this weekend.
“There were a lot of ups and downs, and even though this is his track, is he the best Ducati competitor? I don’t know,” said the Frenchman. “So far on paper, Diggia seems to have the edge on him.
Marc Marquez seems to have the edge on him, but let’s see if Marc handles the bike throughout the race. In Peco, it is difficult. We know it’s very fast around here. We know he has a lot of experience, and so does his racing career.
“He’s got wins, so you can’t count him out, but I don’t see any signs that he can go and win yet.”
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