Francesco Bagnaia Has Switched To The Old Desmosedici GP24 At MotoGP Americas 2025

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The 2025 MotoGP season has been full of surprises, but one of the biggest talking points leading up to the MotoGP Americas Grand Prix has been Francesco Bagnaia’s switch to the old Desmosedici GP24. As reigning champion and a key figure in Ducati’s factory team, Bagnaia’s decision to revert to last season’s machinery has sparked discussions about whether this move complies with MotoGP’s technical regulations and whether it gives him an unfair advantage.

Why Did Francesco Bagnaia Switch to the Desmosedici GP24?

For most riders in the premier class, the latest version of a bike represents progress—improvements in aerodynamics, power delivery, and overall handling. However, Francesco Bagnaia has taken an unconventional approach by choosing to race on the Desmosedici GP24, Ducati’s previous-generation machine, instead of the latest GP25. This decision raises several important questions: Is the GP24 more suited to Bagnaia’s riding style? Does it provide better consistency compared to the newer GP25? And most crucially, does this switch comply with MotoGP’s strict technical regulations?

1. Performance Considerations:

Why Not Stick with the GP25?

The GP25 was developed with extensive feedback from Ducati’s factory and satellite riders, promising improvements in handling and power management. However, Bagnaia has reportedly struggled to adapt to the new machine’s characteristics, citing issues with acceleration, corner entry stability, and overall confidence in high-pressure race conditions.

Many experienced MotoGP riders have faced similar situations where newer iterations of their machines didn’t match their expectations. By choosing the Desmosedici GP24, Bagnaia is prioritizing familiarity and a proven race-winning package over untested upgrades.

2. Technical Challenges with the GP25

Reports from the Ducati camp suggest that the GP25’s new aerodynamics and electronics package have made it harder to extract maximum performance in varying track conditions. Bagnaia’s decision to return to the GP24 could be based on the following factors:

More predictable handling: The GP24 is a well-known quantity with fewer setup surprises.
Better adaptation to tire characteristics: With Michelin’s 2025 tire compounds slightly altered, the GP24 may work better with the new rubber.
Reduced learning curve: Instead of struggling with adapting to the GP25, Bagnaia can focus on refining his race pace on a bike he knows well.

Does Bagnaia’s Switch Violate MotoGP Regulations?

1. Compliance with MotoGP’s Technical Rulebook

MotoGP’s technical regulations are designed to ensure fair competition while allowing manufacturers to develop new technology. According to FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and Dorna’s regulations:

Factory teams must homologate their machines at the start of the season.
Riders are generally expected to use the latest homologated factory bike, but exceptions exist under certain circumstances.
Teams cannot introduce major performance-enhancing modifications to older machines that could give them an unfair advantage.

From a rulebook perspective, there is no explicit ban on using a previous-generation bike as long as it complies with homologation rules and technical parity guidelines. Ducati’s GP24 remains an approved machine, as it is still used by Ducati’s satellite teams like Pramac Racing and VR46 Racing Team.

2. The Precedent for Using Older Machinery

Bagnaia’s switch isn’t the first time a factory rider has opted for an older bike. In previous seasons:

Valentino Rossi occasionally preferred older Yamaha models when struggling with new developments.
Marc Márquez frequently adjusted his Honda RC213V’s setup to resemble past versions of the bike that suited his aggressive riding style.
Ducati riders like Jack Miller and Johann Zarco have occasionally raced with year-old models in satellite teams while remaining competitive.

Given these precedents, Bagnaia’s choice aligns with previous MotoGP trends. However, it does raise concerns about Ducati’s factory development strategy and whether the GP25 has fundamental flaws that need urgent attention.

Does This Move Provide an Unfair Advantage?

1. Competitive Fairness and Factory Support

One of the main concerns raised by rival teams is whether Bagnaia’s return to the GP24 gives him a competitive edge over other Ducati riders who are committed to the GP25. If the GP24 is performing better than the GP25, it could indicate that Ducati’s latest machine is not a true step forward.

Factory teams are expected to lead development, and having a factory rider competing on older machinery could distort the championship landscape. However, since Ducati’s satellite teams still use the GP24, there is no clear evidence that Bagnaia is gaining an unfair advantage over his competitors.

2. The Psychological Edge

Bagnaia’s move could also be a psychological strategy. By opting for the GP24, he eliminates any distractions related to adapting to the GP25 and instead focuses on race execution. If this results in better performance, other Ducati riders might start questioning their own setups, leading to intra-team dilemmas.

Implications for Ducati and the MotoGP Grid

1. Ducati’s Development Strategy Under Scrutiny

If Bagnaia performs better on the GP24 than his factory teammates on the GP25, Ducati engineers will have to rethink their development approach. The GP25 was expected to be a step forward, but if the reigning world champion struggles with it, Ducati might need to revise its long-term strategy.

2. Impact on Other Manufacturers

Rival manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda, and KTM could interpret Ducati’s struggles as a weakness and capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding the GP25. If Bagnaia excels on the GP24 while other Ducati riders falter on the GP25, competitors could see an opportunity to close the performance gap.

3. Future Rule Changes?

If Bagnaia’s switch proves highly successful, MotoGP organizers might consider revising rules regarding factory teams using older bikes. While there is no immediate regulatory conflict, rule changes could be introduced to prevent factory riders from opting out of the latest developments.

Conclusion: A Bold Move, but Not a Violation

Francesco Bagnaia’s switch to the Desmosedici GP24 at MotoGP Americas 2025 is a bold strategic decision rather than a rule violation. While it raises questions about Ducati’s latest bike development, it does not break MotoGP’s technical regulations. The move is likely motivated by Bagnaia’s preference for a more stable and familiar machine rather than an attempt to exploit a loophole in the rulebook.

The real test will come when the race results speak for themselves. If Bagnaia outperforms his GP25-equipped rivals, Ducati will face tough questions about their development priorities. If he struggles, it may validate the factory’s commitment to continuous innovation.

Regardless of the outcome, this decision has added an intriguing layer to the 2025 MotoGP season, keeping fans, analysts, and rival teams on high alert. Whether it turns out to be a masterstroke or a misstep, Bagnaia’s willingness to take a calculated risk proves why he remains one of MotoGP’s most formidable competitors.