The 2025 MotoGP season has been a rollercoaster for reigning double world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, and his latest revelation at the French Grand Prix has sent shockwaves through the paddock. After a disastrous weekend at Le Mans, where he scored zero points for the first time since 2022, Bagnaia admitted he is seriously considering reverting to the Ducati GP24—the bike that carried him to 11 victories in 2024. This candid confession not only highlights his struggles with the new GP25 but also raises questions about Ducati’s development direction and the fierce rivalry with teammate Marc Márquez. As the MotoGP circus moves forward, Bagnaia’s potential switch could be a game-changer in his quest to reclaim dominance.
The French Grand Prix was a nightmare for Bagnaia. Crashing out of the sprint race and being taken down by Enea Bastianini in the main event, he left Le Mans 51 points behind championship leader Marc Márquez. His frustration was palpable as he spoke to the press, admitting, “I’ve accepted that I can’t find what I want with the GP25.” For a rider known for his precision braking and corner-entry confidence, the GP25’s altered front-end feel has been a persistent thorn in his side. Unlike the GP24, which he mastered to clinch back-to-back titles, the new bike demands a different riding style—one that Bagnaia is struggling to adapt to.
Bagnaia’s comments echo a growing sentiment in the Ducati camp. Posts on X have reported that he first hinted at returning to the GP24 as early as March, with sources suggesting the bike is available whenever he chooses. Ducati test rider Michele Pirro confirmed, “No es que él no tenga disponible la moto vieja, así que si quisiera podría volver a la moto del año pasado.” Translated, this means the GP24 is ready for Bagnaia’s use—a rare concession for a factory team pushing cutting-edge technology. Yet, Bagnaia remains cautious, acknowledging the GP25’s potential in acceleration and top speed. “It’s not completely correct to go back to the GP24,” he noted, “because Marc is winning everything.”
Indeed, Marc Márquez’s dominance on the GP25 has intensified the spotlight on Bagnaia’s struggles. The six-time MotoGP champion has taken to the new bike like a natural, winning six consecutive sprints and three of the first four grands prix in 2025. Bagnaia himself praised Márquez’s adaptability, saying, “He could ride a tractor and be competitive.” This contrast underscores a brutal reality: while Márquez thrives, Bagnaia is the fourth-fastest Ducati rider, trailing not only Márquez but also Alex Márquez and rookie Fermín Aldeguer, both on GP24s.
The debate over whether Bagnaia should revert to the GP24 is heating up. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi insists Bagnaia can adapt to the GP25, but the option to tweak components or even switch bikes remains open. Commentator Jack Appleyard fueled the discussion at Le Mans, noting, “Pecco has repeatedly said that he can’t do on the GP25 what he did on the GP24.” Meanwhile, Alex Márquez’s victory at Jerez on a GP24 has Bagnaia convinced he could match or surpass that performance on the older bike. The data backs him up: Alex Márquez and Aldeguer are replicating Bagnaia’s 2024 strengths, particularly in braking and corner entry, which the GP25 seems to lack.
However, switching to the GP24 isn’t without risks. The bike, while proven, may not match the GP25’s raw speed, and Ducati’s focus is on developing the newer platform. Reverting could also signal a lack of confidence, potentially weakening Bagnaia’s standing within the team, especially with Márquez’s star rising. Yet, Bagnaia’s cerebral approach and past success at circuits like Jerez, where he’s won the last three grands prix, suggest he’s not ready to concede defeat.
As MotoGP heads to the next round, all eyes are on Bagnaia. Will he stick with the GP25 and fight to adapt, or will he make the bold move back to the GP24? His decision could reshape the championship battle and redefine his legacy. For now, the paddock waits, knowing that when Bagnaia finds his rhythm, he’s nearly unstoppable.
