Pecco Bagnaia made a strong impression during the recent tests in Malaysia, where he wore a smile that says a lot. Quickly at ease on his Ducati, the Turin rider seems to have regained his sensations, both physically and mentally. But the real question is: can he regain his champion status?
A regained confidence
Throughout the tests, Davide Tardozzi, the team manager of Ducati, did not hide his enthusiasm. From the first day of riding, he stated: “I talked a lot with him after his vacation at the end of the year, and at the beginning of January we found a new Pecco, the one for 2024, so I think he is in shape.” Words that resonate like a promise of a return to the top.
Bagnaia himself acknowledged that the difficulties of the previous year were mainly due to his bike. The 2025 specification of the Desmosedici did not provide him with the sensations he needed to attack the brakes and approach corners with confidence. This week, he emphasized that the modifications made this winter would not only help him but also his teammates with the factory version.
The mind, key to performance
Beyond the technical aspects, Tardozzi emphasizes the importance of Bagnaia’s mindset. When asked if the rider needed to reset, he replied: “He is a very intelligent person, so we talk a lot with him. Since the Valencia test, he has already regained the right mental attitude.” A crucial point, especially after a season where cohabitation with a certain Marc Márquez may have destabilized the young rider.
Tardozzi’s words are filled with hope: “We are absolutely confident. Right after the race in Valencia, he showed that he had regained his sensations.” This statement is part of a strong desire to see Bagnaia shine this season. An ambition that seems to be shared by everyone at Ducati.
Promising winter tests
During these tests, Bagnaia wore a smile that does not deceive. “I spent the winter praying for things to go well and honestly, it’s going well. I literally enjoyed riding a lot,” he declared after the first day. However, caution remains in order. The Sepang circuit is known to be treacherous, and even though he triumphed there last year during a sprint, he remembers an unexpected puncture that compromised his chances of victory the following Sunday.
He also does not forget the painful memories of last year when the same test was followed by a real fiasco in Thailand: “A nightmare for me.” This time, he wants to approach things differently. “In recent years, during tests, I always tried to do a magical time attack, but I understood that being fast in a test may not always be the best thing.”
Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Team)
A strategic approach to testing
Bagnaia knows that each test is an opportunity to improve his riding and understanding of the bike. He finishes these tests ranking fifth, but with a well-grounded ambition for the next test in Buriram. “It was important here too, but it’s a track where I’m always good. Last year, I struggled a lot during this test, so it will be crucial to start well and understand the bike.”
He seems to have realized that rushing is not always the solution. “I think we worked much better this time, waiting for me to be comfortable on the bike instead of starting to test things too quickly.” A statement that shows a growing maturity and a desire to learn from his past mistakes.
Towards a bright future?
The 2024 season promises to be decisive for Pecco Bagnaia. After a tumultuous year, he seems ready to bounce back and show his true potential. The tests in Malaysia not only revealed a more confident rider but also a man determined to leverage the lessons of the past. With unwavering support from his team and a new mentality, he could very well be the protagonist of this new season.
So, are we really witnessing the return of the Bagnaia we knew in 2022? The elements are in place to make this year a memorable chapter in his career. Let’s hope that the promises of the tests translate on the track, as MotoGP fans eagerly await to see their champion regain his brilliance.
