After retiring from the Spanish MotoGP as a consequence of technical issues, Pecco Bagnaia returned to Jerez to judge Ducati’s newest developments throughout Monday’s check.
Ducati centered on aerodynamic updates to counter the Aprilia’s nook speeds, alongside digital adjustments aimed toward bettering the Bagnaia’s braking efficiency.
The Italian, who recorded the tenth quickest time, was constructive in regards to the enhancements in aerodynamics, however was not very happy with the effectiveness of the engine braking.
“The largest focus was aerodynamics, however we additionally examined the electronics facet,” Bagnaia mentioned. He completed second to teammate Marc Marquez in a rain-interrupted dash race and retired from ninth place within the Grand Prix.
“I am very pleased with the aerodynamics and I feel we have taken a step ahead in cornering so I am pleased with that. Having the ability to flip the bike higher in quick corners is one thing I used to be lacking this yr and final yr.”
“We additionally examined one thing within the electronics to make the bike cease higher. We did not discover a resolution, however we’d have discovered a means. So I actually hope the workforce focuses on that and see if it helps one thing for Le Mans.”
Nonetheless, Bagnaia admitted it was troublesome to evaluate progress, with Aprilia riders occupying the highest three positions on the check timesheets.
“It is exhausting to evaluate as a result of Aprilia additionally had a really quick lap time right now, however I feel we have been just a little nearer by way of tempo.”
Pecco Bagnaia, 2026 Spanish MotoGP.
© Gold & Goose
“I am actually pleased to listen to Pekko-san’s phrases.”
Bagnaia additionally emphasised the worth of Alex Marquez’s efficiency, which ended Ducati’s Grand Prix win on Sunday.
“One of many issues that was actually good is that we have now Alex Marquez as a manufacturing unit rider, so we are able to clearly see what he has carried out this weekend (in GP26) and it might be good if we are able to comply with in his footsteps.”
The Gresini rider fought again from a troublesome begin to the season to win his house Grand Prix for the second consecutive yr.
Requested about Bagnaia’s feedback, Alex Marquez mentioned: “I am actually pleased about Pecco’s phrases.
“I feel I continued to work very well, attempting to not panic (after struggling within the first spherical).
“It’s true that I began with the bike setup from final yr (GP24) and hastily I’m actually, actually quick once more.
“We’ve got labored very nicely and tried some issues that we’re engaged on, however I do not know what they’re engaged on within the official workforce.
“I feel they’re positively working very exhausting they usually know all the pieces we have carried out.
“Now it is going to be an excellent check to see if we are able to keep this efficiency at Le Mans, which is a very totally different observe.”
Alex additionally put the newest Ducati aerodynamics to the check on his approach to sixth place on the check timesheet.
“It was troublesome to attract a conclusion on aerodynamics from only one observe, as a result of we most likely want a observe with just a little quicker corners,” he mentioned.
His youthful brother Marc Márquez was the quickest Ducati rider within the check, ending fourth.
The French Grand Prix at Le Mans will likely be held from Could eighth to Could tenth.
