Ducati: Pecco Bagnaia Makes a Comeback in Qatar and Speaks His Mind After Free Practice

Ducati rider Pecco Bagnaia finished fourth in Friday’s pre-qualifying session at Losail—something that hadn’t happened since last June in the Czech Republic. “I was kind of expecting this, given the track layout and the tire grip, which is similar to what we had in Brno—I thought I’d have fewer problems. I felt more support from the rear going into corners and was able to push the front to get the bike turning.”

“All I can say is that I had fun today; I enjoyed riding,” he continued. It was the first time in a long time that I hadn’t been able to do that, so we had to start working on the bike’s balance again, and today we tweaked just a few small details that helped me a bit. Tomorrow we’ll continue like this; I know free practice and qualifying will be tougher in the heat, but I think I’ll have a good chance in the Sprint if I can start up front.”

“I hadn’t felt this good since Brno, and when you feel like this, it’s easier to move in one direction because your ideas are clearer—you have something to tell your team. When you’re struggling, you try different things, whereas today I knew exactly what I needed.”

“I finally feel like a true factory rider, and I want to enjoy it and make the most of this potential to give something back to my team. Being on a factory team and struggling as much as I have in the last few GPs is tough; now I want to have fun and go fast.”