Francesco Bagnaia, reigning MotoGP world champion, has issued a clear message to Ducati, urging them to address the start issues of the GP24 MotoGP bike “as soon as possible.” Bagnaia, who has been a key figure in Ducati’s recent success, has grown increasingly concerned over the performance of the GP24, particularly during race starts. This problem, if left unaddressed, could jeopardize his championship defense.

Throughout the 2024 MotoGP season, Bagnaia has repeatedly encountered difficulties during race starts, often losing crucial positions in the opening moments. While the GP24 has shown competitive performance in other aspects, the sluggish starts have been a persistent problem, costing Bagnaia valuable points. As the season progresses, these issues have become more pronounced, leading the Italian rider to publicly call on Ducati to prioritize fixing this flaw.

Bagnaia’s frustration is understandable, considering that the start of a race often sets the tone for the rest of the competition. In MotoGP, where every second counts, a poor start can mean falling behind early and having to battle through the field to regain lost positions. For a rider like Bagnaia, who is accustomed to leading from the front, these issues have proven to be a significant handicap.

The GP24’s start issues appear to stem from a combination of factors, including the bike’s clutch system and launch control settings. While Ducati has made strides in improving the overall performance of the GP24, these specific areas have lagged behind. Bagnaia’s concern is that if these problems are not fixed soon, it could severely impact his chances of retaining the championship title.

Bagnaia has always been vocal about the importance of communication between rider and team, and his call for Ducati to act quickly reflects his belief that time is of the essence. “We need to fix the start issues as soon as possible,” Bagnaia said after a recent race, where he once again struggled in the early stages. His message is clear: without improvements, the GP24’s potential will remain untapped, and his championship defense will be in jeopardy.

Ducati, known for its technical expertise and innovation, is certainly capable of addressing the problem. However, with the season already underway, the team is under pressure to make swift adjustments. Bagnaia’s call to action is not just a critique but also a sign of his confidence in the team’s ability to find solutions. He knows that Ducati has the resources and talent to fix the GP24’s start issues, but the key will be how quickly they can implement changes.

Despite the challenges, Bagnaia has remained competitive in the championship standings. His riding skills and racecraft have allowed him to recover from poor starts and still secure solid results. However, as the competition intensifies, relying on recovery races will not be enough. Bagnaia’s focus is on ensuring that he can start races from a position of strength, rather than having to claw his way back through the field.

The pressure is mounting for Ducati, not just from Bagnaia but also from the wider MotoGP community. Fans and experts alike have noted the GP24’s potential, but they also recognize that start performance is a critical factor in modern MotoGP racing. As other manufacturers continue to make strides in this area, Ducati cannot afford to fall behind.

Bagnaia’s championship defense is not just about his individual performance; it is a team effort. Ducati’s ability to address the GP24’s start issues will be crucial in determining whether Bagnaia can stay in the hunt for another title. Bagnaia has proven himself to be a championship-caliber rider, but even the best riders need a bike that performs at its peak in every phase of the race.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ducati to see how they respond to Bagnaia’s call for action. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is slim. If Ducati can fix the GP24’s start issues, Bagnaia will have a strong platform to continue his championship defense. If not, the road ahead could be much more challenging.

In the high-stakes world of MotoGP, every detail matters, and the start of a race can often determine the outcome. For Bagnaia, the message is simple: fix the start issues, and the results will follow. The ball is now in Ducati’s court to ensure that the GP24 delivers the performance that Bagnaia needs to defend his title successfully.