Francesco Bagnaia’s problems in the 2026 MotoGP season continue at the Austrian Grand Prix. The Italian rider completed the Friday practice session at the Red Bull Ring in 18th place. Following the rear tire grip issues he experienced, Bagnaia assessed his situation clearly: "> This is our real potential right now."
Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time MotoGP champion, failed to secure the start he expected in Austria after the tough weekend in Misano. Bagnaia, who was approximately one second behind leader Pedro Acosta in the standings, could not secure a Q2 spot and will have to compete in Q1 on Saturday.
Rear Tire Grip Issues
The main problem pointed out by Bagnaia after Friday was tire grip, which he has raised many times in the 2026 season. According to the Italian rider, this issue affects not only acceleration out of corners but also braking and the entry phase into the corner.
Bagnaia stated that Ducati has focused its efforts specifically on this area, and despite knowing the motorcycle has the capacity to do more, they could not change the situation under the current conditions. "> This is the area we are focusing on and working to improve. We know we can do much better, but this is our real potential right now."
Track Differences
One of the points that made the picture in Austria more compelling for Bagnaia is that the problems have carried over from a previous race. Although Misano is one of the tracks where Bagnaia has won two MotoGP championships, the Italian rider had a very difficult weekend there and could not climb above the fifth grid in the standings. When asked whether the feeling of the motorcycle in Austria was better than in Misano, Bagnaia’s answer was clear: "> No. My feeling is the same, the problems are the same."
Tire Specification Debate
The rear tire, which has a harder structure designed to improve heat dissipation, used by Michelin at the Red Bull Ring at the end of the weekend, was another topic of debate among riders. While it was stated that this situation could cause the tire to slide more, Bagnaia does not believe his problem is linked to a specific tire specification.
Bagnaia stated that there was no significant difference in the feeling he experienced between the standard tire and the different structure or soft and medium compound used in Austria. "> I do not feel a real difference between these tires. Whether it is soft or medium, for me, it is the same."
Bagnaia emphasized that all they can do under the current conditions is continue to work and said, "We must keep our heads up and continue to work and try to improve."
Figures
- Francesco Bagnaia is competing in 13th place with 3 points in the 2026 MOTOGP season (Ducati Team).
- Archive: Francesco Bagnaia experienced tire grip issues on track (September 13, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
