The Japanese Grand Prix continues to stir up excitement in the paddock as MotoGP takes up residence in Mandalika for its Asian tour. The cause: Pecco Bagnaia's factory Ducati, victorious at Motegi despite a visible mechanical problem that caught the attention of riders and observers alike. Marco Bezzecchi gives his account.
In the final third of the race, the No. 63 Desmosedici GP25 of the double world champion Ducati released a worrying oil mist, sometimes enveloping its pursuers. However, no black flag was waved by the race stewards. bagnaia was able to continue its journey without incident and achieved a valuable success, which also boosted its morale after a complicated start to the season.
The scene left its mark on the cameras and the pilots: the Ducati official of bagnaia seemed about to give up the ghost. Yet, despite these alarming signals, the machine showed no clear fluid loss—a crucial detail given the regulations, which expressly prohibit prosecution in the event of a proven leak.
The commissioners therefore chose not to intervene, believing that there was no immediate danger. A decision that did not convince everyone, particularly among Aprilia.
Marco Bezzecchi, fourth in the race on his Aprilia, did not hide his discomfort with the situation:
« Even though I was way ahead, I didn't miss it. I was about two or three seconds behind Joan Mir and I thought it was coming from his bike..
Marco Bezzecchi: "I have crossed the cloud several times."
He adds : " at any rate, the smoke was so present for several laps that I had to walk through the cloud several timesIt was very strange and surprising in terms of safety. I only realized it was Pecco's bike after the race. »
A statement that rekindles the debate on the stewards' tolerance when it comes to a favorite or an official machine. Some in the paddock are talking about "protective" treatment for Ducati, while others point out that the absence of projected liquid legally justified the decision.
This controversy comes at a time when the championship is taking a new turn. Marco Bezzecchi, currently fourth in the general classification, still has a card to play to move up the hierarchy. But he will have to be wary of Peter Acosta : the Spanish prodigy, fifth, impressed at Mandalika last year by finishing second on his KTM RC16.
The battle for the places behind Marc Marquez, already crowned 2025 world champion, promises to be intense. Pecco Bagnaia, he hopes that his Ducati will hold firm after this technical episode which made some people grind their teeth.
The victory of bagnaia à Motegi will remain marked by this disturbing image of a smoking engine which was never sanctioned. Ducati breathe, but Aprilia et Bezzecchi remind us that safety must come first, even when it comes to a world champion seeking redemption. Mandalika could well be the scene of a sporting revenge... and a paddock always under tension.
