“I don’t agree with anything”: Bagnaia slams Liberty Media and denounces a MotoGP that is changing without its riders. Just months before the regulatory revolution of 2027, Pecco Bagnaia may have just voiced the most direct criticism heard so far in the MotoGP paddock.
While Liberty Medium is preparing the future of the sport with new 850cc motorcycles, the arrival of Pirelli as a unique manufacturer and with a comprehensive approach to costs and safety, the two-time world champion Ducati no longer hides his discomfort. BrnoThe Italian was particularly critical, believing that some major decisions are made without really taking into account the opinion of the pilots.
And the subject that annoys him the most isn't necessarily the one you might think. Because beyond the future Ducati 850cc, bagnaia He believes, above all, that it is deprived of an essential tool: the ability to understand and evaluate future tires Pirelli which will equip the premier category from 2027.
MondayIn the aftermath of the Czech Republic Grand Prix, several riders will participate in the first official tests of the new motorcycles equipped with Italian tires. Bagnaia, however, will not be participating..
He is finding this situation particularly difficult. I won't stay here to do the tests, I'm going home. but not because I don't want to stay " he explains. Behind this statement lies a deeper frustration. The pilot Ducati He fully understands why he is not being asked to develop the future Desmosedici 850 cc since he will no longer be part of the project. Ducati from 2027.
Pecco Bagnaia: “ The problem lies in the impossibility of testing the tires. Michelin does not want comparisons with Pirelli »
However, he finds it much harder to accept being excluded from the initial tire tests that will ultimately define the future of the entire category. More than the impossibility of riding the 850, which is logical and which I understand, the problem lies in the impossibility of testing the tires »
bagnaia goes even further by suggesting that Michelin is not unrelated to this situation. According to him, the French manufacturer does not want to see direct comparisons between its current products and those of its future successor appear too soon.
« It would almost have been better to ride the 1000cc and test the tires. But that's not possible, and In my opinion, this is more Michelin's responsibility, as they don't want comparisons between the two brands at the moment."An accusation that is sure to fuel discussions in the paddock."
For bagnaiaThe problem even goes beyond the simple framework of the tests of BrnoHe is already worried about how the drivers will have to prepare for the transition to 2027 with extremely limited time to adapt. It's a shame, because we don't use Pirelli tires on the training bike. Therefore, I don't know how they perform or what their characteristics are. »
Then he continued: Certainly, We will have Pirelli tires during World Ducati Week, but they will be different from those of MotoGP. Arriving in Valencia perfectly prepared, with only one day of testing on December 1st, is a strange way to certify tires and to ask Pirelli for new products for the following year.” Before concluding with a statement that perfectly sums up his incomprehension: “ It's a rather strange choice. »
But tires are only part of his disagreement with the direction the championship is taking. Because when the conversation turns to the new ideas currently being studied by Liberty MediumBagnaia becomes even more categorical.
These options include, in particular, the new departure arrangementswith two motorcycles per line instead of three, as well as the much more controversial idea of limit each pilot to one single machine to reduce costs.
The Italian pilot's response was immediate. Honestly, I don't agree with any of these proposals."A particularly strong statement coming from one of the most influential drivers on the grid. Regarding the new starting grid, bagnaia struggles to see the real benefit of the measure.
« I don't like it because I find it strange to start two abreast on small-displacement motorcycles."On the other hand, he acknowledges an advantage to the planned elimination of the departure mechanisms." The only positive point is that we can now start without launch control, because Ducati's height adjustment is fantastic. But if you look at other motorcycles, you'll see that you sometimes have to perform several maneuvers to disengage it when braking for the first corner. »
For the Italian, security is a valid argument here. That's why I think it's wise to remove it for security reasons."But when it comes to limiting riders to a single motorcycle in the garage," bagnaia immediately regains its critical tone. Using only one motorcycle would be strange, because in the event of a crash during qualifying, The reserve motorcycle would have to be used for the race, without having completed a single lap with it. »
Then he adds, " It's strange, a bit like having fewer staff at the stands.. » A remark that reflects a broader concern: that of a MotoGP that would gradually seek to reduce its costs at the risk of losing part of what makes it so excellent today.
The Conclusion of Pandaemonium bagnaia This ultimately reveals the current mindset of many pilots. I don't understand, but fortunately, it's not up to me to decide.. » In Brno, as the major transition towards 2027 begins, the two-time world champion MotoGP has just reminded us that the technical revolution desired by Liberty Medium This doesn't necessarily convince those who will have to live with it on a daily basis. And judging by the tone used by bagnaiaThe debate has probably only just begun.
