Bagnaia Finds Renewed Optimism After Valencia MotoGP Test Debut of Ducati's New Prototype

Francesco Bagnaia concluded the Valencia MotoGP test on a positive note after evaluating a range of new components on his factory Ducati MotoGP machine, despite a late-session crash curtailing his running.

The two-time MotoGP champion, who described the past year as potentially the nadir of his premier class career, initiated his preparations for the 2026 campaign by piloting the new GP26 for the first time. Bagnaia completed 50 laps of the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, ultimately securing tenth position on the timesheets, a mere 0.358 seconds adrift of the benchmark set by Raul Fernandez aboard the Trackhouse Aprilia.

While refraining from issuing a definitive assessment due to the Valencia circuit’s limitations as a comprehensive performance indicator, Bagnaia expressed optimism regarding the new aerodynamic package he tested. "Honestly, I’m quite surprised… Not surprised, but happy that the things were going well," he commented. "I started the day with the previous [bike] and it worked well. We managed to do a good job all day. The feeling on braking [and] entry was much better."

Bagnaia emphasized the need for further analysis to solidify the initial positive impressions. "So now we will check, understand, analyse everything to understand the situation. And to try to have this feeling like a constant. But I’m very happy about the things we tried."

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The Italian rider also lauded the aesthetics of the new fairing, while acknowledging the need for more extensive testing at a more representative circuit. "[I’m] happy with the new fairing that looks good, but we need to do more laps because this track is not very good to put a lot of laps in. So, we will try again in the future," Bagnaia stated. He added, "[The circuit is] too tight; not very fast corners. So we need to test it better, maybe in Malaysia. But for the rest, happy."

Bagnaia was the sole rider to experience a crash during the Valencia test, falling at Turn 2 in the final hour while attempting to improve his lap time of 1m29.731s. However, he downplayed the significance of the incident. "Nothing [major], I was pushing. It was my chance to set the time attack. A good lap time with the time attack, but I exaggerated a bit at corner two and went wide," Bagnaia explained.

Bagnaia finished the day two positions behind Nicolo Bulega, who was substituting for reigning world champion Marc Marquez on the other side of the factory Ducati garage. However, the 26-year-old dismissed any concerns about being outpaced by a test rider. "I don’t care what people think and say," he asserted. "Honestly, I think Nicolo did a very good day. He was working well and the lap time he did in this run was very good." Bagnaia reiterated his focus on personal progress, stating, "But honestly, I was focused on myself. And knowing that maybe the time attack could improve with the time attack was fantastic today. But I didn’t have the chance because I crashed."

The Valencia test marked the official commencement of preparations for the 2026 MotoGP season. For Bagnaia and Ducati, it represented an opportunity to rebound from a challenging 2023 campaign. Bagnaia, a graduate of the VR46 Riders Academy, secured his first MotoGP World Championship in 2022, ending a 15-year drought for Italian riders in the premier class. He followed that triumph with a second consecutive title in 2023, solidifying his status as a top contender in the sport.

Ducati’s MotoGP program has experienced considerable success in recent years, with the Italian manufacturer dominating the championship standings. In 2023, Ducati secured the Constructors’ Championship for the fourth consecutive year, while also achieving a historic 1-2-3 finish in the riders’ standings with Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Marco Bezzecchi.

However, the 2023 season also presented challenges for Bagnaia. While he ultimately secured the championship, he faced intense competition from Martin, who mounted a strong challenge in the latter half of the season. Bagnaia also experienced several crashes and mechanical issues, highlighting the demanding nature of MotoGP racing.

The Valencia test provided Bagnaia and Ducati with an opportunity to address some of the issues that plagued them in 2023 and to begin developing the GP26 machine for the future. The new aerodynamic package tested by Bagnaia is expected to improve the bike’s stability and handling, while also enhancing its cornering performance.

The Ducati team will now analyze the data collected during the Valencia test and continue development work on the GP26 machine in preparation for the upcoming pre-season testing program. The first official pre-season test is scheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia in February 2026, providing Bagnaia and his rivals with a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their machines before the start of the new season.

The 2026 MotoGP season is expected to be highly competitive, with several manufacturers introducing new machines and riders switching teams. The departure of Marc Marquez from Honda to Gresini Ducati marks a significant shift in the MotoGP landscape, while other notable rider movements include Johann Zarco’s switch to LCR Honda and Alex Rins’s move to Yamaha.

The competition is expected to intensify with the rise of young talents such as Pedro Acosta, who will make his MotoGP debut with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2026. Acosta, a former Moto3 and Moto2 World Champion, is widely regarded as one of the most promising riders in the sport and is expected to challenge the established frontrunners.

As Bagnaia and Ducati prepare for the 2026 season, they will face a formidable challenge from their rivals. However, with a proven track record of success and a commitment to innovation, they remain a strong contender for the championship. The Valencia test provided a glimpse of the potential of the new GP26 machine, and Bagnaia’s renewed optimism suggests that he is ready to mount another title challenge.

The MotoGP paddock now turns its attention to the winter break, with teams and riders utilizing the time to recharge and prepare for the upcoming season. The Sepang test in February will provide a more comprehensive indication of the competitive landscape for 2026, with all manufacturers expected to unveil their latest developments. As the anticipation builds for the new season, the MotoGP world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the ongoing battle for supremacy.