Francesco Bagnaia, the two-time MotoGP champion, had a challenging experience at the French Grand Prix, describing it as “a race and a weekend to truly forget.” The Ducati rider started from the sixth position but was involved in an early crash that affected his performance throughout the event. On the opening lap, Bagnaia collided with fellow competitor Enea Bastianini at the first chicane, which ultimately led to Joan Mir also being taken out of the race.
After the collision, Bagnaia managed to get back on track and made a bike change, but the weekend ended up being disappointing for him as he finished in 16th place. This race was particularly tough for Bagnaia, as he also had to retire from the sprint race held the previous day. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked, “It’s the first time I’ve scored two zeros on Saturday and Sunday, in both races. We weren’t able to take anything home.”
Bagnaia acknowledged that he felt strong before the crash but struggled with a lack of feedback from the front of the bike, particularly in wet conditions. He noted, “In the wet, the bike normally gives you feedback, and this bike doesn’t give me any.” Despite having a strategic plan in mind, it was only Johann Zarco who managed to stick to it. Zarco chose to remain on wet tires, which proved to be a smart decision as he went on to secure victory at his home race.
Bagnaia’s disappointment didn’t end with the crash; he expressed that even if he had returned to the race after the incident, he believed he could have finished in the top five. Unfortunately, technical issues with the shift paddle forced him to retire. He explained, “I had to stop because the shift paddle was partially blocked; sometimes the gears would engage, and sometimes they wouldn’t.”
After a successful 2024 season where he finished as the runner-up to Jorge Martin, Bagnaia’s 2025 campaign has been more challenging. Currently, he finds himself 51 points behind the championship leader, Marc Marquez, who is also his new teammate. Reflecting on his current standing, Bagnaia admitted, “It’s not a comfortable situation for me. Not at all serene, and, above all, difficult for me to accept.”
He elaborated on his struggles, stating, “I’ve always been used to other things, and now I’m in a situation where I have no feeling with the bike.” Bagnaia emphasized that when he rides, he gives it his all, but he feels disconnected from the bike’s performance. “Whether I do a fast lap, or I fall, or I do a lap five seconds slower, I always have the same sensations, and that’s the problem,” he explained.
The Italian rider has been grappling with this issue since the start of the season, stating, “I don’t feel the limit; I don’t know where it is.” He contrasted his current experience with last year, when he could sense the bike’s movements and rubber on the track. “This year, I don’t feel anything until I fall,” he lamented. Bagnaia reassured fans that the entire team is actively working toward a solution, but acknowledged that they are all facing the same challenges.
Despite the setbacks at Le Mans, Bagnaia remained steadfast in his outlook and refused to blame bad luck for his performance. He stated, “I don’t recognize fortune and misfortune; they don’t exist. Fortune belongs to those who win and those who fail. I’ve never considered myself unlucky. It’s not an easy time, that’s all.”
As the racing season progresses, Bagnaia’s ongoing struggles with bike feedback and performance will be crucial to monitor. The Ducati rider’s ability to overcome these challenges will play a significant role in his quest for the championship title. His resilience and determination are commendable, and fans are eager to see how he will adapt in the upcoming races.
In the competitive world of MotoGP, where every detail matters, Bagnaia’s experience highlights the importance of a rider’s connection with their machine. The relationship between a rider and their bike can significantly impact performance, especially in challenging weather conditions like rain. The nuances of handling a motorcycle in such circumstances require not just skill but also intuition—a factor that Bagnaia has found lacking this season.
As he looks forward to future races, Bagnaia’s focus will likely shift toward improving his bike’s setup and finding the right balance that allows him to feel more connected to the machine. This pursuit of optimal performance is not only essential for his personal success but also for the Ducati team as they aim to reclaim their position at the top of the MotoGP standings.
In summary, Francesco Bagnaia’s tumultuous experience at the French Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsport. While the weekend didn’t go as planned, his commitment to improvement and resilience in the face of adversity will be critical as he moves forward in the season. The challenges he faces now will undoubtedly shape his future performances, and fans around the world will be watching closely to see how he navigates this difficult period in his career.
