Francesco Bagnaia is struggling to adapt to the Desmosedici GP25 in Jerez, aiming for technical changes to boost performance for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Reigning MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia is facing a critical technical challenge at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, as he works to adapt his riding style to the new Desmosedici GP25. Despite a strong history at the Andalusian circuit, Bagnaia ended Friday’s combined timesheets in seventh place, trailing Álex Márquez of BK8 Gresini Ducati by 0.701 seconds. While this gap may not seem dramatic at first glance, for a rider of Bagnaia’s caliber—especially at a track where he has previously dominated—the deficit raises concerns just days before race day.

Bagnaia was candid in his post-session interviews, openly admitting that he’s still not able to replicate his 2024 pace with the new machine. Although he remains optimistic, the defending champion and his Ducati Lenovo Team have acknowledged that adjustments are necessary if he is to contend for victory in Jerez.

Struggles With the Desmosedici GP25 at a Crucial Circuit

Bagnaia has always shown particular strength at Jerez, a circuit that rewards precision and corner speed over brute horsepower. Last year, he was dominant through corners like Turn 5 and Turn 9—two areas where he now finds himself unexpectedly vulnerable.

🗣️ “In turn 5, turn 9 – which were two corners where I was super strong last year – this time I’m struggling a bit more,” Bagnaia admitted. “I think it’s more on the technical side, and for that tomorrow morning we will try something to take a step.”

Pecco Bagnaia’s struggles at Jerez are especially surprising given that Ducati machinery has historically adapted well to the 4.4km Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto. However, the Desmosedici GP25, while delivering improved top-end performance and more sophisticated electronics, appears to be more complex when it comes to turning and balance in medium-speed corners—precisely the strength Bagnaia relied on in the past.

This setup difficulty was compounded by the performance of other Ducati riders, most notably Álex Márquez and Franco Morbidelli. Bagnaia pointed out that both riders were able to extract better performance from the GP25 on Friday, saying:
🗣️ “Looking at Álex Márquez or Franky [Morbidelli], they are doing it well. So, maybe we just have to try to focus on the new package and try a solution similar to what I was doing last year.”

This comment not only reflects Pecco’s desire to experiment with past configurations but also highlights the internal benchmark that Ducati riders often provide for one another.

Technical Troubles: Where the GP25 Falls Short

One of the key differences between the GP24 and the Desmosedici GP25 is its reworked chassis and swingarm geometry, which was aimed at increasing agility and mid-corner speed. However, Bagnaia has suggested that the bike is reacting differently than expected in critical corners—particularly in sector 2 and sector 4 of the Jerez layout.

In MotoGP, tiny differences in corner entry and exit balance can create significant time gaps. The GP25’s advanced electronics and new aerodynamic package are intended to make the bike more versatile, especially for a wider range of riding styles. But Bagnaia, a precision-based rider with smooth cornering lines, appears to be having a harder time finding a flow that matches his natural strengths.

🗣️ “The thing is that I can’t do what I was doing last year,” Pecco explained. “Right now, it’s like this, but the new bike has different good points. So, we just need to continue focusing on the good points and try to solve a bit what is wrong.”

The Ducati Lenovo Team has reportedly already started evaluating different suspension settings and rear grip solutions, attempting to get the GP25 to behave more like the 2024 model through technical corners. There is even speculation that the team may experiment with hybrid setups that incorporate GP24 geometry traits—though nothing has been confirmed officially.

Bagnaia Focused on Solutions, Not Frustration

What separates Bagnaia from many of his peers is his calm and analytical approach in difficult situations. Despite being seventh on the timesheets and behind several satellite Ducati riders, Pecco has remained focused on long-term adaptation rather than expressing frustration.

🗣️ “It’s not something that worries me,” he told reporters. “We are here to find the limit of the new bike. That sometimes means going a bit backwards before we go forward.”

This mental approach is characteristic of a champion. Rather than panicking over a disappointing free practice, Bagnaia is using it as a learning tool. His goal is clear: find a base setup that brings back the precision he had in 2024 while unlocking the new advantages the GP25 has to offer—such as increased braking stability and better acceleration out of slower corners.

Francesco Bagnaia’s calm mindset will be critical on Saturday when FP3 and qualifying sessions determine the grid for the sprint and main race. With competitors like Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini already showing stronger form early in the weekend, Pecco cannot afford to miss out on a front-row start.

Adaptation Over Emotion: Ducati’s Philosophy

It’s important to note that Bagnaia is not alone in navigating the transition to the Desmosedici GP25. Ducati’s new model is universally recognized as a step forward in terms of power delivery and aero dynamics, but it requires a nuanced touch—something that takes time to develop.

What makes this scenario particularly intriguing is that other factory and satellite riders seem to be adapting more quickly. Álex Márquez, in particular, was the fastest on Friday and appeared very comfortable with his bike’s setup. Franco Morbidelli, who had previously been off the radar during pre-season, also managed to extract better performance in tricky corners.

This has prompted Ducati engineers to analyze riding data between Bagnaia and these other riders. Some insiders believe that minor changes in ride height devices and rear shock behavior could be the key to unlocking Pecco’s preferred balance.

If Bagnaia is able to bring those insights into Saturday’s sessions, there’s a strong possibility of a turnaround before qualifying. In previous seasons, Pecco has demonstrated a unique ability to bounce back from technical setbacks and emerge stronger—something that Ducati will be banking on again this weekend.

The Importance of a Strong Spanish Grand Prix for Bagnaia

The Spanish Grand Prix has often played a pivotal role in shaping the early trajectory of a MotoGP championship season. With high temperatures and an unforgiving layout, Jerez demands both technical refinement and mental resilience.

For Bagnaia, a solid performance in Jerez would reassert his dominance over the rest of the grid, particularly at a time when championship rivals like Jorge Martin, Pedro Acosta, and Marc Márquez are beginning to build momentum. The last thing Ducati would want is for Bagnaia to fall into a points deficit early in the season due to setup misfires.

The fact that Francesco Bagnaia is struggling with the GP25 does not suggest a crisis—but it does point to a need for urgency. Ducati’s factory team cannot allow internal benchmarks like Álex Márquez to consistently outperform their lead rider, particularly when the season is still wide open.

Saturday’s Adjustments: A Make-or-Break Moment

With Bagnaia and his crew scheduled to test new settings during Saturday morning’s FP3 session, the pressure is mounting. If the adjustments yield the expected improvement—particularly in sectors 2 and 4—then Bagnaia could easily find himself back in the top three before the qualifying shootout.

However, if the changes do not result in improved traction or mid-corner stability, Pecco may face another difficult sprint race—putting even more emphasis on Sunday’s Grand Prix for points recovery.

The situation is delicate but far from dire. As Bagnaia has proven time and again, he is capable of turning adversity into opportunity. His ability to remain calm, work with his engineers, and draw from comparative telemetry is what makes him a two-time world champion.

Conclusion: Pecco’s Adaptation May Define Ducati’s Weekend

As the Spanish Grand Prix weekend continues, all eyes will be on how Bagnaia responds to the challenges presented by the Desmosedici GP25. While Friday’s sessions revealed areas of concern, they also provided valuable data that can fuel overnight adjustments.

Francesco Bagnaia’s determination to master the new package, combined with Ducati’s technical support, positions him for a possible rebound. Whether he will find the balance he’s looking for in time for qualifying remains to be seen—but if history is any guide, underestimate Bagnaia at your own peril.

If Pecco can find harmony with his machine by Sunday, not only will he be in the hunt for victory at Jerez, but he will also have overcome one of the most complex adaptation periods of his career—cementing his status as one of the most technically versatile riders on the MotoGP grid.