The DNA of the GP26 is the same as last year’s bike, says Francesco Bagnaia again at Ducati.
The Italian’s woes in 2025 were well-documented as he repeatedly complained about a lack of feel from GP25, particularly braking and corner entry.
It was a stark contrast to the 2024 bike. Bagnaya He won 11 races. Now, in 2026, he wants to Ducati Having faced the same problems this year as he did in 2025, to return to GP24 development again.
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Bagnaya blasted his 2025 bike several times. At the time, calling Ducati to make adjustments and regain the feeling. He has failed to finish six of the last seven Grands Prix and has dropped to P5 in the standings.
2026 started with a little optimism, as Bagnaia was faster than Marc Marquez in pre-season testing.Although the Spaniard is not at full fitness. However, the Italian was confident going into the season, but that faded after that.
Pecco Bagnaia has ‘completely changed’ the braking system to seek the feel of the GP26 – it’s the same as the GP25
Heading in Spanish Grand PrixBagnaya did not finish higher than ninth on Sunday. Speaking to Sky Italia in Jerez, he explained how the problems he faced in GP26 mirrored the braking issues of his predecessor.
“I know my potential, I know exactly where I can be,” he said. “Every time I got the chance I was at the front and the results speak for themselves.
“I’ve been struggling for two years: the DNA of GP25 and GP26 is the same, it doesn’t allow me to fully express myself. I always ride very defensively and I can’t fully trust the bike, which doesn’t allow me to be fast.
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“Also, my strong point, which has always been braking and corner entry, I can’t exploit with this bike anymore. I’ve completely changed the braking system, and it’s the thing that limits me the most.”
“I hope we can continue in the same direction until 2024 with a bike designed for that. Now, other riders are complaining about the same things, and I hope we can try something in that direction.”
Read more: Everything you need to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to seed number
Francesco Bagnaia was completely lost in GP26.
There have been some positives from Bagnaya’s season so far, such as a recent win in the Sprint at COTA. George Martin led for almost the entire race until denying him the win in the final lap.
But mostly it’s become more doom and gloom for the two-time champion. Bagnaya can’t understand why he loses speed during the race. In GP26, he finished just outside the top-five this year.
Bagnaya admitted that he could have done more This year’s machine has the same DNA, so adapting to last year’s bike could cost it now in 2026.
He will definitely continue to push improvements with Ducati. But with his move to Aprilia due in 2027, Bagnaia may have wanted the 2026 season to end.
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