Everything Collapsed After the Thailand Test: What Is the Secret Behind Pecco Bagnaia’s Difficult Season?

Reigning MotoGP World Champion Pecco Bagnaia has finally spoken out about the shocking struggles he’s faced during the 2025 season. After a blistering end to 2024, few expected Bagnaia and factory Ducati to hit such a rough patch. Now, the Italian star has revealed that the problems started much earlier than fans realized—tracing them back to a disastrous test in Buriram.

In a brutally honest interview, Bagnaia admits he’s lost his feeling with the front-end, the very foundation of his success since 2021. His comments paint a picture of a frustrated rider who’s trying everything to adapt, but can’t extract performance from a bike he once dominated with.

Pre-Season Deception: Sepang Didn’t Show the True Problem

Looking back at MotoGP pre-season testing, Bagnaia reveals that the signs of trouble were not immediately clear.

“Sepang was a good test. I had some issues in the Sprint simulation, but nothing too strange,” he explained.
“Looking back now, I would never have imagined we’d be in this situation.”

The Ducati GP25 appeared competitive during initial laps in Malaysia. Even though there were minor hiccups, Bagnaia didn’t sense the kind of breakdown that would unravel his confidence months later. The surprise came when the circus arrived in Thailand.

The Buriram Bombshell: “A Total Disaster”

Bagnaia didn’t mince words when describing Ducati’s Buriram test in Thailand.

“The Thailand test was a total disaster. And from that moment on, we started struggling a lot.”

This test, now seen as a pivotal moment in Ducati’s 2025 woes, appears to have unearthed fundamental issues with the GP25’s handling and tire usage. For a rider like Bagnaia, who relies on precise front-end feedback for braking and corner entry, the problems have proved devastating.

Front-End Feel is Gone: “Now I Feel Nothing”

Perhaps the most worrying part of Bagnaia’s remarks is his admission about front-end feel—a cornerstone of his riding style.

“I’ve lost the feeling with the front that I’ve had since 2021. Now, I feel nothing.”

This loss of feel has translated directly to performance issues. Bagnaia’s signature late braking and surgical line precision are gone, replaced by uncertainty and instability. For a champion so dependent on feedback to push the limit, the void is catastrophic.

He continued:

“For my riding style, that’s a huge problem. I’m trying to adapt, but it’s not easy. And I’m destroying the tires.”

Tire Wear and Adaptation Struggles: “I’m Not Enjoying Riding”

Bagnaia’s tire degradation issues have been obvious in races where he fades late or struggles to defend position after a few laps. The Italian believes these problems are not due to setup errors, but rather his inability to adapt his style to compensate for what the bike lacks.

“I’m not enjoying riding. It’s not easy.”

For someone who was once seen as the most fluid and confident rider on the grid, this is a devastating admission. Joy, feel, and performance have all deserted the reigning champion—and it shows in the results.

Jorge Martín? Bagnaia Doesn’t Need Him Back

When asked if Jorge Martín’s exit from the Ducati ecosystem has hurt Ducati’s ability to compete or develop the bike, Bagnaia dismissed the idea outright.

“No, I don’t think so.”

This comment suggests that Pecco sees the current struggle as rider-specific—not tied to team structure or development direction. Ducati’s GP25 still wins races in the hands of Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini, but Bagnaia clearly feels that the changes in the bike’s front-end behavior are hurting his particular riding DNA.

No Drastic Overhauls: “It’s About Small Details”

Despite the massive drop-off in performance, Bagnaia remains calm about the fix.

“Right now, it’s small details. The bikes are similar, but I’ve lost that key feeling. That’s what needs to come back.”

This isn’t a call for revolution—it’s a plea for restoration. Bagnaia doesn’t believe the solution lies in a massive rebuild, but rather in rediscovering the micro-adjustments that used to give him confidence in every braking zone and apex.

Ducati GP25: A Machine With Split Personality

The story of the Ducati GP25 is becoming a tale of split fortunes. While Bagnaia struggles, Marc Marquez has found form on the same machine. This disparity raises more questions than it answers.

Is the bike truly suited to aggressive, instinctive riders like Marquez, while smoother, more technical riders like Bagnaia are now at odds with its nature? Or are Ducati’s recent upgrades favoring one style over another?

Bagnaia’s inability to connect with the 2025 package may point to development compromises made to accommodate multiple rider styles—possibly diluting the GP25’s consistency.

Championship Implications: From Title Favorite to Chaser

Currently sitting third in the championship, Pecco Bagnaia trails leader Marc Marquez by 72 points. While mathematically still in the hunt, the mental and mechanical obstacles in his way are massive.

Unless Ducati can deliver a breakthrough in the upcoming rounds, Bagnaia’s 2025 title hopes may evaporate by the summer break. Worse yet, the longer the front-end issues persist, the greater the risk of long-term damage to his confidence and future results.

Pressure Mounts: Ducati Must Act Fast

With Yamaha reportedly eyeing Bagnaia as a “forbidden dream” for 2026, Ducati’s current woes couldn’t come at a worse time. While Bagnaia remains contracted through 2026 and insists on honoring that deal, rider satisfaction can’t be taken for granted.

If Ducati fails to restore Bagnaia’s confidence and form, they may find themselves not just losing races—but risking the loss of their franchise rider altogether in the next contract cycle.

What Needs to Happen Now?

To save the season and re-ignite Bagnaia’s spark, Ducati must focus on:

1. Front-end feel and feedback restoration, even if it means reshaping components or setup direction.

2. Customized electronics and chassis settings that match Pecco’s specific needs.

3. An emotional support system to keep Bagnaia’s confidence high during the low points.

4. Possibly involving Valentino Rossi or VR46 staff to recalibrate the human side of the problem.

Ducati needs a focused plan—not a panic button.

Looking Ahead: Redemption or Regression?

With several high-pressure races coming up—including home rounds where Bagnaia will face immense scrutiny—the next few weeks could define his season and possibly his long-term trajectory with Ducati.

The narrative of a fallen champion is compelling. But Bagnaia’s resilience and work ethic suggest he won’t go down without a fight.

“I’m trying to adapt,” he said. That sentence might be simple, but it’s loaded with intent.

If anyone can rebuild from the inside out, it’s Pecco Bagnaia. But Ducati must now deliver the tools he needs before frustration gives way to finality.