After a rollercoaster weekend in Malaysia, Pecco Bagnaia arrives in Portimão hungry for revenge and with a still temperamental Desmosedici GP25. The two-time MotoGP Ducati world champion may have won the sprint race at Sepang, but his puncture on Sunday left a bitter taste. However, the rider from Chivasso remains focused: he knows that the battle for the championship will go through Portugal.
Currently fourth in the overall standings, just five points behind his compatriot Marco BezzecchiBagnaia wants to rediscover the magic of the GP24, a machine he considered more natural to ride.
Pecco Bagnaia commented : " I've returned from Malaysia with a bitter taste, but also some positive impressionsSunday's race certainly didn't end in the best way, even though we were competitive all weekend. That's something we've lacked in recent Grands Prix, and we must continue along this pathPortimão is a unique circuit, with unique characteristics. We are working to regain the same confidence in our driving that we had at Sepang. »
Ducati approaches Portimão with two faces: that of the present to be tamed and that of the future to be forged.
While bagnaia prepares its counterattack, Ducati is about to write a new chapter: that of the official start of Nicholas Bulega in MotoGP. The Superbike World Championship runner-up will take the handlebars of the Desmosedici GP25 left vacant by Marc Marquez, hurt.
During the private test at JerezThe rider from Montecchio Emilia has already impressed the engineers in Borgo Panigale. His impressions of the MotoGP prototype were so encouraging that Ducati decided to put it in line from the start Portimão et Valencia on the machine MarquezA golden opportunity for the one who will also represent the future of Ducati, since he will participate in the development of the Desmosedici 2027 alongside the veteran Michele Pirro.
This future model will mark a small revolution: elimination of lowering systems, simplified aerodynamics, increased engine displacement to 850 cc and Pirelli tires for all.
Nicholas Bulega he stated I am happy and at the same time a little nervous For these beginnings. I want to savor the moment, but also work well with the whole team. I have no expectations regarding the results I want to start gaining confidence riding the Desmosedici GP. Let's not forget that we'll be riding on a circuit as unique and demanding as Portimão. »
Between the experience of the two-time champion MotoGP and the energy of the rookie coming from Superbike, Ducati tackles Portimão with two faces: that of the present to be tamed and that of the future to be forged.
