Ducati faces a crisis: Bagnaia openly expresses dissatisfaction after Silverstone!

Pecco Bagnaia, one of Ducati’s leading riders and a double world champion, is currently going through a difficult phase in the 2026 MotoGP season. After a tough fall at Silverstone, followed by a modest sixth place finish in the Sprint race, Bagnaia’s position in the world championship standings has slipped, adding pressure on both rider and team.

The core of the issue lies in his ongoing struggle to adapt to the new Ducati GP25, which, despite being presented with specifications similar to its predecessor, feels fundamentally different to ride. Bagnaia openly admitted that the bike’s balance is far from what he expected.

“The bike looks like last year’s, but it doesn’t react the same,” Bagnaia explained after Silverstone. This candid confession underscores the growing concerns within the Ducati camp, led by Technical Director Gigi Dall’Igna, who, along with the engineering team, continues to search for the root causes behind the GP25’s inconsistent performance.

The Silverstone Setback and Its Impact on Bagnaia’s Season

Silverstone was meant to be another chapter in Bagnaia’s pursuit of the championship crown. However, his crash and subsequent sixth place finish have contributed to a black series for the Italian rider. This run of poor results has distanced him from the championship leaders, raising questions about whether he can still mount a serious title challenge.

Bagnaia’s struggle isn’t simply about bad luck but points to deeper technical and setup challenges. The GP25’s handling characteristics are reportedly very different from the 2025 model, despite Ducati’s claims of continuity. This has forced Bagnaia to rethink his approach on track, hampering his usual aggressive yet smooth style.

Yamaha’s Interest in Bagnaia Adds Fuel to the Fire

In the midst of Bagnaia’s struggles, persistent rumors have surfaced about Yamaha’s possible interest in signing the Italian rider should he become available. The Japanese manufacturer, known for its aggressive rider market strategies, is rumored to be closely monitoring the situation.

Officially, Bagnaia remains under contract with Ducati through the end of the 2026 season and has publicly stated his desire to honor this commitment. However, the increasing technical and sporting tensions between rider and manufacturer may force a re-evaluation.

Fabio Quartararo’s resurgence and the significant progress of Yamaha’s M1 bike could become decisive factors. Should Ducati fail to find a solution that satisfies Bagnaia quickly, Yamaha may capitalize on the situation, potentially disrupting Ducati’s rider lineup and team dynamics.

Yamaha and Pramac Prepare to Make Strategic Moves in the Rider Market

Yamaha isn’t limiting its ambitions to just Bagnaia. The brand is reportedly gearing up for an announcement concerning Toprak Razgatlioglu’s recruitment to the Pramac team, which is now powered by Yamaha machinery. This move would signal a strong push by Yamaha to enhance its presence in MotoGP through strategic satellite team partnerships.

The official announcement could come as soon as the Italian Grand Prix, and would represent a significant coup for Yamaha. Furthermore, if KTM decides to scale back its MotoGP commitment, Yamaha is ready to increase its grid presence by adding two more motorcycles, further solidifying its position in the championship.

KTM’s Pedro Acosta Eyes Ducati as Next Destination

At KTM, rising star Pedro Acosta is growing increasingly impatient. The young Spanish rider has been signaling his interest in joining Ducati as soon as possible, creating waves in the MotoGP paddock.

Ducati’s Gigi Dall’Igna is reportedly looking for ways to integrate Acosta into a satellite team, with VR46 often mentioned as a possible landing spot. However, contractual complexities make any immediate solution difficult, meaning that while the desire exists on both sides, Acosta’s move may take some time to materialize.

Enea Bastianini’s Future Remains Uncertain Amid Market Turmoil

Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini remains at the center of negotiations involving several teams. The Pramac squad is closely watching developments while also awaiting clarity on Jorge Martin’s situation with Aprilia.

Martin’s contract currently extends through 2026, but rumors hint at a possible early departure from Aprilia, which could open a premium seat for Bastianini. This uncertainty has created a ripple effect, keeping the MotoGP rider market unusually volatile.

Jorge Martin’s Situation Adds Another Layer of Complexity

Despite a contract with Aprilia until 2026, Jorge Martin’s future in the paddock remains one of the most unpredictable storylines of the season. His uncertain status adds fuel to the ongoing reshuffling of seats among top teams.

Should Martin leave Noale earlier than anticipated, a chain reaction in rider transfers would be triggered, directly impacting Bastianini’s prospects and potentially shaking up the entire market.

MotoGP Rider Market in Full Swing After Silverstone

In summary, the MotoGP 2026 rider market is currently in a state of flux following the Silverstone race. The combination of Bagnaia’s dissatisfaction, Yamaha’s strategic moves, KTM’s shifting plans, and the uncertainty around riders like Martin and Bastianini has created an atmosphere of suspense.

Each team is carefully weighing its options, with the potential to reshuffle the grid as the season progresses. For fans and insiders alike, the coming months promise plenty of drama both on and off the track.

The Broader Implications for Ducati and MotoGP

Ducati’s current crisis extends beyond Bagnaia’s troubles. The manufacturer’s inability to replicate the previous year’s bike performance with the GP25 has exposed vulnerabilities. For a team used to dominating the field, this unexpected challenge highlights the fierce competitiveness of MotoGP.

At the same time, Yamaha’s aggressive approach to signing top riders and expanding its satellite teams shows the evolving strategies in the sport. KTM’s recalibration of its MotoGP involvement, combined with the emergence of young talents like Acosta, further complicates the landscape.

What’s Next for Bagnaia and Ducati?

The pressure is mounting for Bagnaia to rediscover his winning form and for Ducati to resolve the technical issues undermining the GP25’s performance. Meanwhile, Yamaha and other manufacturers are keenly watching, ready to take advantage of any slip-up.

As the 2026 season unfolds, the battles within the rider market may prove just as thrilling as those on the track. Bagnaia’s next moves and Ducati’s responses will be pivotal chapters in this unfolding saga.