Ducati’s CEO Anticipates Francesco Bagnaia’s Comeback Post-Qatar Grand Prix

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati’s CEO, predicts that Francesco Bagnaia will improve in the MotoGP Championship from the Qatar Grand Prix onwards, despite a tough start to the season. He expects Bagnaia to regain his form and compete for wins, while Marquez leads currently. Historically, Bagnaia has performed well in Qatar, though he has yet to podium in Sprint Races there.

Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati, anticipates a significant change in the MotoGP Championship starting from the Qatar Grand Prix. He expects Francesco Bagnaia to recapture his competitive edge following a challenging beginning to the 2025 season. Initially, it was thought that Bagnaia and Marc Marquez would engage in a substantial rivalry; however, Marquez has instead captured victories while Bagnaia has been placed third.

Marquez has triumphed in the first two Grands Prix, including Sprint Races in Thailand and Argentina, and is favored to maintain his winning streak at the Circuit of the Americas. Despite Marquez’s strong performance, Domenicali expresses confidence that Bagnaia will soon return to the forefront of the competition, beginning after Qatar.

Domenicali noted that Bagnaia’s early races were less than ideal, stating, “I think Pecco started with two races that weren’t the most favorable for him.” He elaborated that Bagnaia finished winter tests facing problems beyond his control, which has hindered the display of his full potential thus far. While he believes Bagnaia’s resurgence may not happen immediately at Austin, he is optimistic about the upcoming races.

Historically, Bagnaia has achieved significant results in Qatar, winning two races at the Lusail International Circuit—one in MotoGP and one in Moto2—and securing four additional podium finishes in total. However, he has not yet reached the podium in Sprint Races at this venue, highlighting an area for improvement as the season progresses.

In conclusion, Claudio Domenicali holds a positive outlook for Francesco Bagnaia within the upcoming MotoGP season, particularly starting from the Qatar Grand Prix. Despite a rocky start, he is confident that Bagnaia will be able to demonstrate his true capabilities and contend for victories as the championship unfolds. The historical performance of Bagnaia in Qatar adds to the anticipation of a more competitive championship ahead.

Original Source: bikesportnews.com