Ducati’s CEO Confident in Francesco Bagnaia’s Comeback from Qatar

Ducati’s CEO Claudio Domenicali predicts a turnaround for Francesco Bagnaia starting from the Qatar Grand Prix, believing that despite a slow start to the season, Bagnaia will become a stronger contender. While Marc Marquez has dominated early races, Domenicali emphasizes that Bagnaia’s true potential has yet to be seen, particularly after overcoming winter testing challenges.

Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati, anticipates a shift in the championship landscape beginning from the Qatar Grand Prix, expressing confidence that Francesco Bagnaia will enhance his performance following a challenging start to the 2025 MotoGP season. As the season progresses, particularly after a rocky beginning, he expects Bagnaia to be a strong competitor for victories.

Expectations were high when Marc Marquez joined the Ducati Lenovo Team, leading to predictions of a formidable rivalry between him and Bagnaia. However, instead of fierce competition, Bagnaia finds himself in third place while Marquez has achieved victories in the first two Grands Prix and Sprint Races in Thailand and Argentina, positioning him as a dominant figure ahead of the upcoming race at the Circuit of the Americas.

Domenicali asserts that Bagnaia’s initial races were not reflective of his true capabilities. “I think Pecco started with two races that weren’t the most favourable for him,” he remarked, referring to Bagnaia’s struggles at the outset. The CEO emphasized that issues during winter testing impeded Bagnaia’s performance, but he remains optimistic about his potential resurgence.

Bagnaia’s history at the Lusail International Circuit reveals a mixed track record, with two race victories in both MotoGP and Moto2. Additionally, he has six podium finishes, though he has yet to secure a position on the Sprint Race podium at this venue. This historical context adds to the anticipation surrounding his performance in the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix as the 2025 season unfolds.

In summary, Claudio Domenicali believes Francesco Bagnaia will significantly improve his performance from the Qatar Grand Prix onwards, despite a tough start to the season. While Marc Marquez’s victories have set the tone early in the championship, Domenicali’s confidence in Bagnaia signals an expected resurgence. The upcoming races may reveal a different competitive dynamic, emphasizing Bagnaia’s potential as he moves forward in the championship.

Original Source: bikesportnews.com