Pecco Bagnaia keeps smiling, even though the rain disrupted his tests in Sepang. With about twenty laps completed, the Ducati rider puts the technical setbacks into perspective, aware that these inconveniences are inherent to testing. Between optimism and pragmatism, he prepares for a promising season.
A Mixed Day
The second day of testing in Sepang proved somewhat frustrating for Pecco Bagnaia. With only a small twenty laps to his credit, the Italian rider saw his plans disrupted by unpredictable weather conditions. Rain made its way into the schedule, rendering the track slippery and complicating the riding sessions. This morning, a technical issue had already forced him to limit his track time.
A Positive Outlook on Setbacks
Despite these setbacks, Bagnaia keeps his head high. He knows that such incidents are common during testing, crucial moments for trying out new parts. “We were a bit unlucky due to the conditions,” he explains. “But it’s in the nature of testing to have technical issues. When testing new parts, some things may work differently, and sometimes, it’s not the right direction.” His words resonate as an ode to patience and adaptability.
Regaining Sensations
For Bagnaia, these tests are also an opportunity to regain lost sensations. The year 2025 has been challenging, marked by difficulties in mastering his Ducati. “Yesterday was a huge relief,” he confides. “I was looking to regain my sensations in braking and corner entry, and from the first laps, I felt it was much better.” These positive feedbacks are essential, not only for him but also for the technicians who are looking to refine the bike’s development.
Notable Improvements
It is clear that Ducati has doubled down to bring significant modifications to its machine. Although the engine is frozen this season, peripheral adjustments have enriched the riding experience. “Small details can always make a big difference,” Bagnaia emphasizes. “In my case, it brings novelty and improvement.” One can imagine that these are small tweaks that make all the difference on the track.
Preparations for What’s Next
Ducati has also worked on the height adjuster and planned various aerodynamic evolutions. Bagnaia is preparing to test a new fairing on Thursday, during the last day on track in Malaysia. “The fact that it rained this afternoon leaves us with more work for the last day,” he admits. “We need to be focused in the morning to better understand what base to start from in Thailand.” This anticipation is crucial before heading to Buriram for the final tests and the first Grand Prix of the season, which will start on February 21.
Encouraging Results
Despite the difficulties encountered, Bagnaia improved his time from yesterday by four tenths. Ranked eighth of the day, he is just over 0.4 seconds behind the leading Honda. This result is encouraging and reflects significant progress. “The time we set was fast, especially with the race settings,” he notes with renewed confidence. “As soon as I started, I understood that the bike was working much better for me in braking and corner entry.” This certainty could well be the driving force behind a successful season.
Toward a New Era
As testing continues, the competitive spirit intensifies within Pecco Bagnaia. “For the remaining three days, we just need to finish our work and focus on the race.” The optimism he displays is contagious and suggests a season where Ducati could shine on the circuits. The road is still long, but with a sharpened mindset and an improved machine, Bagnaia seems ready to take on the challenge.
