The Pecco Bagnaia Case: Davide Tardozzi is Stunned: “I Don’t Know What He’s Referring To”

Pecco Bagnaia’s slump continues to dominate the headlines at Ducati. The Malaysian Grand Prix, which the Piedmontese rider finished in a disappointing 13th place, has reignited controversy over the Desmosedici’s technical issues and the relationship between the two-time world champion and the Borgo Panigale team. The main source of debate is a series of statements made by Bagnaia, who, after the race in Sepang, referred to changes that would have occurred compared to the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix and the Misano tests.

Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi responded to these comments in an interview with Sky Sport. His response was quite direct: the team has left no stone unturned in its efforts to help its rider, but has not yet identified a solution to his problems.

The Ducati team manager makes no secret of the team’s difficulties in resolving the Piedmontese rider’s issues. “I don’t know what he’s referring to,” Tardozzi admitted, commenting on the most enigmatic part of Bagnaia’s statements. Pecco had in fact explained that during the Misano tests and the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, there was something on his bike that had allowed him to ride the way he wanted again, but that it had subsequently disappeared.

The Ducati executive acknowledged that the situation has become particularly complicated, despite the work carried out by the team and the technicians supporting the Turin-born rider: “Whatever we’ve done lately—and even over the past year or so—hasn’t improved Pecco’s performance. We’re aware that he’s a champion and has innate speed, but right now not even his chief engineer and his electronics specialist—with whom he’s won two World Championships—have a clear path forward. We’ve explored every option, and we’re at an impasse.”