Francesco Bagnaia’s Challenging Weekend at Misano
Francesco Bagnaia faced a tough weekend at Misano, marking a significant low for Ducati’s most accomplished rider. The team is emphasizing that the source of his confidence issues stems from within, rather than from his bike.
Support from Rivals and Colleagues
Bagnaia’s friendly demeanor and current struggles have garnered sympathy across the racing community, not just from his teammates at the VR46 Academy, but also from rivals like Marc Marquez, his colleague at Ducati.
Marquez’s Success Amidst Bagnaia’s Troubles
Marquez secured his 11th victory of the season at the San Marino GP, propelling him closer to clinching a seventh MotoGP title. This victory is particularly remarkable considering his long recovery from a serious arm injury incurred six years ago.
Bagnaia’s Continuing Hardships
Dropping out of contention at Misano, with an eighth-place qualifying followed by a 13th-place finish, Bagnaia expressed his frustration: “I’m living a nightmare…” His subsequent crash further deepened his woes, leaving him without any points at his home event.
Ducati’s Perspective on Bagnaia’s Situation
A senior Ducati source mentioned, “The answer lies only with him. We want to help, but he needs to let us.” Despite thorough reviews of the Desmosedici bike revealing no technical faults, Ducati continues to publicly support Bagnaia, even at potential risk to its own reputation.
Observation and Adjustments After the Race
Bagnaia returned to the track on Monday, showing improvement with a sixth-place finish in testing, aided by advice from Casey Stoner. This collaboration suggests that Ducati’s usual strategies may be reaching their limits in rebuilding Bagnaia’s confidence.
Future Implications and Team Dynamics
As the impending rider market looms, Ducati faces tough decisions regarding its team structure. With an urgent need for Bagnaia to recover his form, his future within the team could hinge on quick improvements, regardless of the bike model he rides.
