Bagnaia returns to the track of his 2025 double with a top seven as the target

Francesco Bagnaia dominated Motegi a year ago: pole, Sprint victory and Sunday victory. Twelve months later, his ambition is radically different. He now considers a top-seven finish a realistic objective for this weekend.

A direct comparison with 2025 is almost impossible. The circuit has been fully resurfaced and Michelin is bringing harder rear tyres. Bagnaia therefore says the references that allowed him to dominate last year cannot simply be reused.

Motegi may still reduce some of his problems: heavy braking traditionally suits both his riding style and the Ducati. But after three consecutive retirements followed by only a return to the points in Austria, Bagnaia now prefers to begin with a modest target and see what the new surface actually allows.