Warning Signs for Ducati? Bagnaia Down in 17th, Skips New Chassis Trial

The post-race test day at Jerez on Monday, following the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock. While teams worked feverishly on setup adjustments and development programs, a surprising headline emerged: Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning world champion, languished in 17th position on the timesheets and did not test Ducati’s new chassis — a crucial development that could shape the rest of the season.

Bagnaia’s Jerez Woes Continue

Fresh off a disappointing race at Jerez, where he failed to reach the podium, Bagnaia was expected to use the Monday test to reset and regroup. Instead, his absence from testing Ducati’s new chassis raised eyebrows.

“I wasn’t in the condition to try it,” Bagnaia admitted, citing physical fatigue and discomfort from the grueling race weekend. His decision not to test what could be a game-changing upgrade left fans and analysts wondering if Ducati’s top rider is falling behind in the development race.

Ducati Pushes Forward — Without Its Lead Rider

The factory Ducati team had brought a new chassis to Jerez, one that was eagerly anticipated after several riders, including satellite team standout Marc Márquez, provided positive feedback in early tests. Márquez, known for his keen feel for chassis behavior, immediately put the new frame through its paces, reporting increased front-end stability and better turning.

The absence of Bagnaia in the chassis evaluation raised concerns about Ducati’s strategic direction. Could Márquez now become the de facto development leader within the Bologna-based team? While team officials downplayed any internal shift, the optics of Márquez pushing development while Bagnaia struggled in 17th were hard to ignore.

The Physical Toll of the Season

Francesco Bagnaia’s explanation for not testing the new chassis centered around his physical state. After pushing hard during a demanding Grand Prix weekend and battling with setup inconsistencies, Bagnaia claimed he was too exhausted to give meaningful feedback on a new component.

“I wouldn’t have been able to give accurate impressions today,” Bagnaia said. “Testing a new chassis when you’re not 100% is not just risky—it’s counterproductive.”

Still, with championship points at a premium and rivals like Jorge Martín and Pedro Acosta showing consistency, the question remains: can Bagnaia afford to miss opportunities for technical evolution?

Márquez Steps Up

In stark contrast, Marc Márquez was all smiles after a productive test day. The Gresini rider has been in solid form throughout the season and appears more comfortable with each passing race. At Jerez, Márquez delivered a series of competitive lap times while evaluating Ducati’s new chassis.

“I liked it,” he said. “The front end feels more stable and gives me better confidence in the corners. It’s a step forward.”

With Bagnaia sidelined from the chassis trial, Márquez’s feedback may now play a pivotal role in shaping Ducati’s next evolution. That’s a remarkable shift in influence, considering Márquez only joined Ducati this season.

A Development Gap?

In modern MotoGP, development is a continuous arms race. Chassis tweaks, aero updates, and electronic refinements happen almost every race weekend. Missing even one critical test can mean falling behind.

With Ducati rolling out upgrades mid-season, Bagnaia’s non-participation could create a development gap between himself and his rivals. If Márquez, Martín, or Bastianini gain performance from the new chassis while Bagnaia sticks with the older spec, it could tilt the competitive balance.

Team Dynamics Under Pressure

Behind the scenes, the pressure at Ducati Lenovo Team is building. Bagnaia, as a two-time world champion, has always been central to Ducati’s development philosophy. But his recent performance slump, combined with Márquez’s resurgence, might force Ducati to reconsider their internal dynamics.

Publicly, Ducati officials insist that nothing has changed. “Pecco remains our number one rider and a key part of our development,” said a Ducati spokesperson. But MotoGP is a performance-driven sport, and decisions often follow results.

What the Data Tells Us

Timing data from the Jerez test revealed a stark picture. Bagnaia’s best lap was over a second slower than the day’s fastest rider — and over half a second slower than Márquez on the same bike. That’s a concerning spread, especially for a reigning champion.

Analysts have also pointed out Bagnaia’s inconsistent corner entry speeds and lower exit velocity — signs that he may not be fully confident in his current setup.

Rider Mentality and Confidence

Confidence plays a critical role in MotoGP performance. A rider who doesn’t trust the front end of the bike will brake earlier, turn in cautiously, and ultimately lose lap time. Bagnaia’s recent comments suggest he’s not fully at ease.

“I need to understand what’s missing,” he said. “We’ve tried many things, but the feeling still isn’t right.”

In contrast, Márquez appears to be growing stronger, feeding off his own momentum. That mental edge can be just as decisive as any mechanical upgrade.

Fan Reactions and Media Coverage

MotoGP fans have taken notice. Social media buzzed with concern over Bagnaia’s P17 result and his decision to skip the test. Many expressed support, but others raised doubts about his long-term competitiveness.

Media outlets across Europe picked up on the story. Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport questioned whether Ducati is doing enough to support its star. Spanish media, meanwhile, hailed Márquez’s contribution as a “turning point” for Ducati’s season.

What’s Next for Bagnaia?

The next few rounds could be make-or-break for Francesco Bagnaia. With the French Grand Prix at Le Mans approaching, he’ll need to quickly regain confidence and find a setup that works. It’s also likely that Ducati will continue refining the new chassis — and Bagnaia must eventually ride and approve it if he wants to stay in contention.

Bagnaia’s track record suggests he can bounce back. He’s weathered slumps before and emerged stronger. But the pressure is undeniably mounting.

Ducati’s Dilemma

For Ducati, the challenge is delicate: support their established champion while recognizing that other riders may be accelerating development. Márquez’s role is expanding rapidly, and while Ducati’s strategy is to keep a united front, competition between riders — even within the same manufacturer — is inevitable.

Conclusion

The Monday test at Jerez delivered more than just lap times — it exposed cracks in Ducati’s dominance and raised fresh questions about the trajectory of Francesco Bagnaia. Sitting out the new chassis trial may have been necessary for his health, but in the ever-evolving world of MotoGP, every missed opportunity counts.

With Marc Márquez stepping up and delivering positive results, the spotlight now shifts to Bagnaia to respond. As the 2025 season unfolds, one thing is clear: the battle within Ducati might be just as intense as the fight for the championship itself.