Part 2 - The problem with Pecco
There are many reasons why motorcycle racers are different than most other professional sportsmen, not least that injuries incurred during participation, for obvious reasons, are normally more serious and can sideline their activities for long periods.
Psychological problems or lack of form seems less tolerated than for other sports and the use of sports psychologists or mental preparation for an event is seldom publicised, almost as if it were a weakness.
For former double world champion Francesco Bagnaia, the lack of this kind of support is probably the only explanation for his comparatively disastrous 2025. Having scored 11 wins and 498 points in 2024, in the year that followed, with two more rounds, he only managed 2 wins and 288 points.
He made it clear after the first few races that he was not happy with the 2025 Ducati and his struggles with the front Michelin but he often significantly slower than riders on the same equipment. Indeed, his mercurial team-mate, Marc Marquez, was not helping his cause by dominating the field at most races along with competitive rides from other riders on the same bike.
The media were constantly commenting on his mental fragility, and this, together with the often visible frustration of team bosses in the Ducati garage, would clearly have compounded Pecco’s issues as the season progressed. It was obvious the young Italian needed more than just the engineers to return him to form.
Whatever attempts were being made by his team or any help he sought to handle his mental approach failed miserably as in the second half of the season (11 races), he managed one win, no other podiums and failed to finish in over half of these races.
With his contract up for renewal at the end of 26, it was crucial for Pecco to start the season strong. Ducati had produced a better bike, that he claimed to like, and he proudly announced he was now a ‘new man’ and his 25 problems were definitely behind him.
After the opening three rounds, a 9th, 10th and a crash would indicate ‘more of the same’ for the former champion. Will he find the form he so desperately needs as the series returns to Europe for The Spanish GP at Jerez at the end of this month?
