Ducati Engine Issues Lead to New Racing Solution

Francesco Bagnaia speaks about the difficulties he faces due to technical issues with the Ducati Panigale V4R motorcycle competing on the Misano circuit in Italy. Bagnaia emphasizes that the motorcycle is behaving differently and that the search for a solution must involve the team finding a common solution.

Bagnaia's Performance Issues

Bagnaia states that the role of the Ducati factory rider in the World Championship qualifying is no longer relevant, placing him last with a 120-point gap. Bagnaia is 0.8 points behind his current teammate, and a full second behind future teammate Marco Bezzecchi.

Bagnaia expresses his disappointments experienced during the race, questioning why the motorcycle is behaving in such a specific manner. Bagnaia highlights the technical dimension, stating that the Ducati motorcycle is behaving completely differently from their colleagues' bikes.

In their words

In the Früh ging es ein wenig besser. Doch als wir dann im Qualifying einen neuen weichen Reifen montiert hatten, lieferte der die gleiche Leistung wie ein gebrauchter. Was immer ich auch unternehme – es funktioniert nicht. Ich kann leider nicht von einem Gefühl auf dem Bike sprechen, denn ich habe keins.

The Struggle for a Solution

Bagnaia stated that despite the current problems, he will continue to strive to find a solution. He stresses that this effort requires the team to have a common understanding. Bagnaia admits that the motorcycle does things that are not understood in every race.

In their words

Ich werde aber weiter alles geben, um die richtigen Antworten zu finden. Das bin ich mir aber auch den Leuten, die mit mir arbeiten, schuldig. Wir haben im Team die gleiche Einstellung und wollen das gemeinsam lösen. Aber derweil ist es ein Fakt, dass das Bike seit drei GP-Events sonderbare Dinge macht, die wir nicht verstehen.

Analysis of Technical Problems

Bagnaia declares that the search for a solution has failed, stating that his approach to finding a solution is not working. Bagnaia emphasizes that the grip of the motorcycle does not change, showing the extent of the problem regardless of the tire used.

Bagnaia also shared the technical difficulties he experienced with braking. He reported feeling as if he were constantly riding with a clutch engaged when braking with the rear brake. He stated that this is a technical matter that the team needs to understand.

In their words

Auf der Bremse ist es aktuell so, dass ich das Bike mit beiden Bremsen schlechter verzögern kann als nur mit der Vorderradbremse. Bremse ich hinten, ist es, als fahre ich permanent mit gezogener Kupplung. Und das ist nur eine Sache, die wir verstehen müssen.

Bagnaia reiterated that he will always strive to find the right solution, pointing out the extent of the technical problems by noting that the motorcycle's grip does not change.