Francesco Bagnaia Confident Ahead of 2026 MotoGP Season, Ready to Ride Desmosedici GP26 at Buriram

Fri, 27 Feb 2026, 05:04 WIB | By Basuki Eka Purnama | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Sports

BINTANG Ducati Lenovo, Francesco Bagnaia, shared his positive impressions ahead of the start of the 2026 MotoGP racing season.

The Italian rider said that the process of adapting to the latest motorcycle, the Desmosedici GP26, has gone very smoothly and provides a positive signal for the Borgo Panigale-based factory team.

Comfort on the motorcycle is a key factor for Bagnaia as he looks forward to this season’s competition.

The two-time world champion feels optimistic that the technical and mental readiness he has now is valuable capital to compete at the top from the first series.

“I feel very comfortable when riding, the atmosphere is great, and I’m motivated for this season,” said Bagnaia, as quoted from Ducati’s official website, Friday (27/2).

Bagnaia explained that his team had done very detailed work during the winter break. The main focus on developing stability and speed seems to have paid off.

Throughout the simulation process and pre-season tests, the rider with the number 63 said he did not encounter any significant obstacles that could hinder his performance.

This readiness is considered one of the best pre-seasons he has ever experienced. All target testing of components on the new motorcycle has been completed on schedule.

“We had a good pre-season. We have worked well, completed all the tests, and we will go to the track for the GP with good capital,” said Bagnaia optimistically.

This season will open at the Buriram Circuit, Thailand, which is scheduled to take place from Friday (27/2) to Sunday (1/3).

The selection of Buriram as the opening series provides its own advantages for Bagnaia. As the holder of the fastest lap record on the 4.55 km track, he understands the characteristics of the circuit which demands maximum engine performance.

The Buriram Circuit, which is dominated by long straight tracks, is well suited to the profile of the Desmosedici GP26 which relies on top speed and high stability when entering corners after hard braking.

“The first race is always special and overall, this track always suits the characteristics of the Desmosedici,” said Bagnaia, concluding his statement.

Now, the focus shifts to free practice to see how tough the GP26 is compared to its rivals on the challenging asphalt track in Thailand. (Ant/Z-1)

Even though he comes with the status of the 2025 season world champion, Marc Marquez’s steps at the beginning of 2026 are not entirely smooth.

Francesco Bagnaia admitted that he felt more comfortable with the new DNA of the Ducati GP26 compared to the GP25. See the results of the Buriram pre-season test and Pecco’s preparations for the 2026 MotoGP.

The main problem for Francesco Bagnaia throughout the 2025 MotoGP season stemmed from the incompatibility between his racing style and the characteristics of the Desmosedici GP25.

Currently, Marc Marquez is still under contract until the end of 2027 with Ducati Lenovo. However, the dynamics of the rider transfer market, which often move faster, trigger various speculations.

The design inspiration is taken from legendary models such as the Ducati 60 (1949) to the Gran Sport Marianna (1955), the first racing motorcycle by legendary engineer Fabio Taglioni.

Bagnaia’s performance throughout the 2025 season, which was up and down, made his position in the Borgo Panigale factory team begin to be highlighted.

The main problem for Francesco Bagnaia throughout the 2025 MotoGP season stemmed from the incompatibility between his racing style and the characteristics of the Desmosedici GP25.

Francesco Bagnaia’s speed was still visible in several practice and race sessions, even though his performance was inconsistent throughout the 2025 season.

Unlike Formula 1, which has an official driver union, MotoGP does not yet have one.

View JSON | Print