Bagnaia makes his FINAL DECISION for Ducati about his FUTURE after the Italian GP, forcing Tardozzi to respond immediately !!
The 2025 MotoGP season has been a rollercoaster for Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the two-time world champion who has faced significant challenges aboard the factory Ducati GP25. After a disappointing Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, where Bagnaia faded from contention and finished outside the podium, speculation about his future with Ducati reached a fever pitch. The Turin native, known for his dominance at Mugello with three consecutive wins from 2022 to 2024, made headlines by announcing a definitive decision regarding his long-term commitment to the Italian manufacturer. This bombshell prompted an immediate and candid response from Ducati Lenovo Team manager Davide Tardozzi, shedding light on the complex dynamics within the team.
Bagnaia’s 2025 campaign has been marred by struggles to find confidence in the front end of the GP25, a bike he has publicly criticized as not being a significant improvement over its predecessor. Despite a breakthrough at the Aragon Grand Prix, where a switch to larger 355mm brake discs restored some of his braking confidence, the Italian GP exposed lingering issues. Bagnaia, who trails championship leader Marc Marquez by 110 points after nine rounds, was expected to shine on home soil. Instead, he was overtaken late in the race by VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio, finishing behind a Ducati podium lockout led by Marquez. This result, coupled with Bagnaia’s visible frustration, fueled rumors about his potential departure from Ducati, especially with his contract set to expire in 2026.
In a post-race press conference, Bagnaia revealed his final decision: he intends to honor his contract with Ducati through 2026 but has demanded significant changes to the bike’s development to align with his riding style. “I’ve given everything to Ducati, and I believe in this project,” Bagnaia stated. “But we need to find solutions that give me the confidence to fight for wins consistently. I’m not here to finish fourth or fifth. If we can’t fix these issues, it will be hard to continue this way.” His comments underscored a growing tension between the rider and the team, particularly as teammate Marquez has adapted more seamlessly to the GP25, securing multiple poles and victories.
Tardozzi, known for his straightforward approach, responded swiftly to Bagnaia’s ultimatum. Speaking to MotoGP’s After the Flag, he defended the team’s efforts while acknowledging the need for improvement. “Pecco is still the fast rider we know, and the data proves it,” Tardozzi said. “We’ve been working tirelessly to address his concerns, from brake discs in Aragon to new setups here in Mugello. But we can’t solve everything overnight. He’s a champion, and we trust him to adapt while we refine the bike.” Tardozzi’s remarks suggested a delicate balance between supporting Bagnaia and managing expectations, especially with Marquez’s dominance adding pressure to the team’s dynamics.
The Italian GP also highlighted the competitive nature of Ducati’s “Dream Team,” with Marquez and Bagnaia engaging in fierce on-track battles. Tardozzi praised the spectacle, noting, “Pecco, Marc, and Alex [Marquez] gave the fans an incredible show in the early laps.” However, he admitted to crossing his fingers to avoid collisions, a nod to the intense rivalry between the teammates. Bagnaia’s decision to stick with Ducati, albeit with conditions, reflects his belief in the team’s potential to deliver a championship-contending bike. Yet, it also puts pressure on Ducati’s engineers, led by Gigi Dall’Igna, to resolve the GP25’s shortcomings before the next rounds at Assen and beyond.
Social media buzzed with reactions to Bagnaia’s announcement, with some fans speculating about a potential exit if results don’t improve. One X post claimed, “Bagnaia might leave Ducati next year,” but such rumors were quashed by his commitment to 2026. Tardozzi’s response, while supportive, carried a subtle challenge for Bagnaia to “deal with the problem,” echoing comments he made earlier in the season about the rider’s demanding setup requirements. This ongoing dialogue between rider and team will be crucial as Ducati aims to reclaim the riders’ championship in 2025.
As the MotoGP circus moves forward, Bagnaia’s decision marks a pivotal moment for Ducati. The team must now balance the needs of two world champions while maintaining its constructor’s championship lead. For Bagnaia, the path to a third title remains steep, but his resolve to fight for changes signals a champion’s mindset. Whether Ducati can deliver the solutions he seeks will determine not only his future with the team but also the legacy of one of MotoGP’s most talented riders.
