Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Ducati boss insists 'the real Bagnaia is back' ahead of 2026 MotoGP season start

19:00, 09 Feb

byAndrew McLarney

Ducati team principal Davide Tardozzi has insisted that Pecco Bagnaia will be back to his best in 2026 after one of the most difficult seasons in the Italian's career last year.

The two-time MotoGP world champion struggled to adapt to the arrival of Marc Marquez as his factory teammate and was all but destroyed in the overall standings by the season's end.

Few riders will have been looking forward to the winter break more than Bagnaia, who was keen to reset his mentality ahead of a fresh start in 2026.

I found a completely different Pecco, with a different mindset.

- Davide Tardozzi, Ducati Team Manager

Following the recent Sepang test, Ducati boss Tardozzi reflected positively on Pecco's renewed mindset and seemed optimistic regarding the Italian's form during the sessions.

"When he returned from vacation, I found a completely different Pecco, with a different mindset. He reminded me a lot of the one in 2024," he said, according to a report from PielDeAsfalto.com. "We’re happy, but we know that Thailand will be a very different scenario. That’s where the championship will really begin."

"We’ve tested a lot of parts. Some have worked, others haven’t. But the important thing is that all four drivers have shown us the same path. That gives us a lot of confidence."

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

This follows on from reports that Ducati may have signed a deal with Pedro Acosta for 2027 in a move that seems likely to cost Bagnaia his Ducati seat.

On the other side of the garage, reigning world champion Marc Marquez will be looking to secure a record-equalling eighth premier class title this year, and Ducati have been on the record saying they want to renew his contract for future seasons.

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