Ducati’s Strategic Shift: Bagnaia Reacts to GP25 Reduction and VR46’s New Role

Ducati announces a reduction in the number of GP25 motorcycles; Pecco Bagnaia acknowledges the significant consequences of this major decision.

Pecco Bagnaia responds to the news regarding VR46's updated position.

Francesco Bagnaia responded to Ducati's announcement that they will only operate three GP25 bikes by acknowledging that he will have less data available.

In the upcoming season, VR46 is set to take over from Pramac as the Ducati-supported satellite team. However, unlike Pramac's current arrangement, VR46 will receive only one GP25 motorcycle.

This implies that only the factory duo of Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, along with VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio, will be equipped with the same bikes.

2024 British MotoGP at Silverstone – Friday Practice Outcomes

"Having three bikes isn't a major drawback, but it's definitely advantageous to have four," Bagnaia mentioned to the press, including Crash.net, at Silverstone on Friday.

"Having four bikes provides you with additional information, allowing for a deeper understanding."

"In my opinion, it's an improvement. However, I don't have the authority to make these decisions."

"It's more effective since, during a test, you can assign tasks to all four riders."

"So far this year, I haven't completed the assignment during the exam."

"It's preferable to provide the factory teams with four identical bikes."

Ducati has confirmed its official team lineup, announcing that Bagnaia will be partnered with Marquez, who is currently riding for Gresini.

VR46 has been announced as Ducati's new factory-supported team and will have access to one GP25. However, they will also have to use a bike that is a year old.

According to unverified reports, Ducati executives disclosed at Silverstone that Di Giannantonio is set to ride the VR46 factory motorcycle, while Franco Morbidelli will be assigned their previous year's model.

Bagnaia issues a challenge to Martin

Bagnaia arrives at this weekend's British MotoGP as the rider currently in top form.

He leads Jorge Martin by 10 points in the standings following a strong finish to the first half of the season.

During the summer break, Bagnaia managed to secure a victory in the Ducati Race of Champions, competing against other leading riders from the manufacturer, and also got married.

On Friday at Silverstone, he recorded the third-best time, whereas his competitor Martin achieved the fastest lap.

"The bike feels unstable and shakes a lot. We need to make improvements," said Bagnaia.

"I’m pleased because this is my first competitive Friday at Silverstone."

"Right now, Martin has a slight speed advantage. We have identified the reasons for this, understand the areas where it happens, and know the steps to take."

He commented on his speed during the race, saying, "It wasn't bad. I couldn't do many laps since I had to make frequent pit stops."

"The speed was strong. Martin clocked an impressive 58.8 seconds using a worn rear tire, although he did switch out the front tire."

"Our performance with the hard tires surpassed that with the medium ones. However, we opted not to use the hard tires because the forecast predicts lower temperatures for tomorrow and Sunday."

Bagnaia likened the MotoGP Michelin tires to the Pirelli tires he experienced on a Panigale V4 during the Ducati Race of Champions last weekend.

He characterized the Pirelli tires as offering "less support." He noted that Michelin tires provide significantly more support. While Michelin may offer slightly less grip, the support they offer is crucial for their needs, especially given their heavy reliance on braking.

"With increased backing, you have the ability to amplify things."

"Using Pirelli tires gives you better speed while turning, but I had difficulties with braking because it felt too soft."

"You experience a great deal, perhaps because it was a motorcycle designed for street use."

"What amazed me the most was the back. It was unbelievable."

"I can't even think about what it would be like to use it during a qualifying lap…"

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