Francesco Bagnaia remains confident despite challenging start to 2026 MotoGP season in Thailand

Francesco Bagnaia finishes 9th at the 2026 Thailand GP. The Ducati rider cites tire spin and heat as major factors but remains optimistic for the season.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 4:07 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Motorsport

Disappointing Performance at Buriram

Francesco Bagnaia began the 2026 MotoGP campaign with a lacklustre performance in Thailand, finishing the main grand prix in ninth position. The result follows a difficult 2025 season where the Italian rider struggled to match the consistency of his teammate, Marc Marquez. While pre season testing had suggested that Bagnaia was comfortable with the new GP26 machine, he failed to find a competitive rhythm during the race weekend. A series of errors during qualifying left him 13th on the grid, forcing a recovery drive that only yielded a top ten finish due to late retirements from other lead riders.

Technical Challenges and Tire Management

The primary obstacle for Bagnaia during the race was an unexpected struggle with rear tire control. Despite an intentional effort to manage his tires from the start, the Ducati rider reported significant spinning through fifth gear on the straights with eight laps remaining. He noted that the bike appeared to have regressed in its turning capabilities compared to pre season tests, making it increasingly difficult to manage the rear tire using the throttle. This technical setback prevented him from maintaining a constant pace, causing him to lose positions in the final stages of the event.

Environmental Impact on Race Dynamics

Conditions at the Buriram circuit were exceptionally harsh, with track temperatures reaching 58 degrees Celsius during the Sunday race. These extreme temperatures were compounded by Michelin's introduction of a specialized tire carcass designed specifically for the Thailand round. Rival riders suggested that this specific hardware favored the Aprilia machinery, as evidenced by Marco Bezzecchi’s dominant victory. Bagnaia admitted that while he felt fantastic during testing in more moderate conditions, the combination of heat and the specialized tire carcass neutralized his previous advantages.