Pecco Bagnaia: “If I Had to Make a Race Now, I’d Choose the GP24 and Not the GP25, Obviously

Pecco Bagnaia: “If I Had to Make a Race Now, I’d Choose the GP24 and Not the GP25, Obviously”

Pecco Bagnaia: “If I Had to Make a Race Now, I’d Choose the GP24 and Not the GP25, Obviously”

Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the current MotoGP World Champion, has made a bold statement regarding his preferred motorcycle for a race at this point in his career. The Ducati rider, who is renowned for his precision, speed, and consistency, recently revealed in an interview that if he had to choose between two of Ducati’s machines — the GP24 and the GP25 — he would opt for the GP24 without hesitation.

This statement has raised eyebrows among fans, industry experts, and fellow riders alike, especially since Ducati has been widely regarded as having some of the most technically advanced and competitive motorcycles on the grid. So, why would Bagnaia prefer the older GP24 over the newer GP25? To understand this preference, we need to dive into the evolution of Ducati’s machines, the progression of Bagnaia’s riding style, and the intricacies of the GP24 versus the GP25.

Ducati’s Evolution in MotoGP

Ducati has been one of the most successful manufacturers in the MotoGP series over the past few years, and their motorcycles have been consistently refined to meet the ever-evolving demands of the sport. The GP24 and GP25 are both part of this continuous development, but they are distinct in several key areas, especially in terms of performance and handling characteristics.

The GP24, which made its debut in the 2024 season, was a significant step forward for Ducati. Bagnaia was able to leverage its power and stability to secure multiple podium finishes and ultimately fight for the championship title. The bike’s power delivery, coupled with its stability under braking, suited Bagnaia’s style of riding — one that requires a highly responsive bike that allows him to be aggressive in braking zones and maintain corner speed with minimal effort.

However, the GP25, which was introduced in the latter part of 2024, represents Ducati’s ambition to continue improving. Ducati engineers fine-tuned the electronics, aerodynamics, and frame geometry with the goal of making the bike more agile and versatile. The changes were designed to help riders tackle varying conditions more efficiently and handle tighter corners with greater ease. While this makes the GP25 a fantastic machine on paper, the reality is that these changes come with a learning curve — especially for a rider like Bagnaia, who is highly accustomed to the GP24’s unique characteristics.

Bagnaia’s Riding Style and Preferences

Bagnaia’s riding style has been a key factor in his success with Ducati. Known for his smooth yet assertive riding technique, he thrives on bikes that offer a stable and predictable feel. The GP24, with its more balanced characteristics, allowed him to master racecraft in a way that many other riders found challenging. He could exploit its strengths, especially in braking zones and long turns, to maintain a consistent pace throughout races.

The GP25, on the other hand, is designed to be more versatile, but this versatility introduces an element of unpredictability. For Bagnaia, who prefers precision and stability, this may feel like a deviation from the control he enjoys on the GP24. While the GP25 is undoubtedly faster in certain conditions and could provide an advantage in tracks requiring quick handling, Bagnaia’s preference for the GP24 suggests that the newer bike may require further adaptation for him to extract the maximum potential from it.

In terms of overall performance, the GP25 may be a more well-rounded machine, but Bagnaia’s statement reflects his desire for the bike that he knows inside and out, one that fits his riding style perfectly. There’s an undeniable connection between a rider and their machine, and Bagnaia’s history with the GP24 is one of success. His familiarity with its behavior on the track, coupled with his mastery of its handling, means he would rather stick with what has proven to work in his favor.

The Competitive Advantage

The decision to stick with the GP24 also points to the highly competitive nature of MotoGP. In a championship battle that is often decided by hundredths of a second, the rider’s comfort and confidence with their machine play a critical role. Bagnaia’s choice to go with the GP24 indicates that, at this stage of his career, he values consistency and reliability over the pursuit of incremental gains that the GP25 might offer.

In MotoGP, riders frequently find themselves in a tight race where bike setup and handling can be the difference between first and second place. For Bagnaia, the GP24 provides a known quantity, something that he has mastered through extensive testing, practice, and race experience. In contrast, the GP25, while potentially offering superior performance in certain conditions, is still a new challenge that could disrupt his established rhythm.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Ducati and Bagnaia’s Career

While Pecco Bagnaia’s statement about choosing the GP24 over the GP25 may seem like a preference for the past, it also speaks to the importance of rider-machine synergy. Bagnaia is a rider who thrives on consistency, and as the 2024 season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how his choice influences his performance relative to other riders who may be adapting more quickly to the newer bike.

As Ducati continues to innovate and develop the GP25, it will be interesting to see if Bagnaia is eventually won over by the advancements of the newer machine, or if he will stick with the GP24 for the remainder of his career. One thing is clear: Bagnaia’s success in MotoGP has always been defined by his ability to extract the maximum performance from his bike, and if that means sticking with the GP24 for now, it is a decision based on his deep understanding of what works best for him.

In the fast-paced world of MotoGP, where change is constant and every season brings new challenges, Bagnaia’s willingness to choose familiarity over novelty underscores the importance of rider confidence in achieving victory. And for now, the GP24 remains the perfect tool for the job.