Alex Marquez responds to Bagnaia praise after Jerez MotoGP

After retiring from the Spanish MotoGP with a technical issue, Pecco Bagnaia returned to Jerez to evaluate Ducati’s latest developments in the Monday test.

Ducati focused on aerodynamic updates to counter Aprilia’s corner speed, alongside electronic changes aimed at improving Bagnaia’s braking performance.

The Italian, who set the tenth fastest time, was positive about the aero gains but less convinced by the engine braking work.

“The biggest focus was on the aerodynamics, but we also tested something on the electronic side,” said Bagnaia, who finished runner-up to team-mate Marc Marquez in the rain-interrupted Sprint race before retiring from ninth in the grand prix.

“I'm very happy and satisfied with the aerodynamics because I think we did a step in cornering. It was something I was missing a lot this year and last year, to make the bike turn more in fast corners.

“We also tested something for the electronics to help stop the bike more. We didn't find a solution, but we may have found a way. So I really hope that the team will focus on that and see if, for Le Mans, we will have something that will help.”

But with Aprilia riders filling the top three positions on the test timesheets, Bagnaia admitted it was difficult to judge the progress.

“Difficult to know, because Aprilia also today did very fast lap times, but I think in terms of pace we were a bit closer.”

"Really happy for the words of Pecco"

Bagnaia also highlighted the value of Alex Marquez’s performance, after the Spaniard broke Ducati’s grand prix victory drought on Sunday.

“One really good thing is that we have Alex Marquez as factory rider, so we can see clearly what he has done [with the GP26] this weekend, and it would be good if we can follow his way.”

The Gresini rider struck back after a difficult start to the season by winning his home grand prix for the second year in a row.

Asked about Bagnaia’s comments, Alex Marquez replied: “Really happy for the words of Pecco.

“I think we kept working in a really good way, trying not to panic [after struggling int the first rounds].

“Here's it’s true we started with last year's [GP24] bike setup and then suddenly we were really, really fast again.

“We worked in a really good way and tried a few things that we're working, but I don't know the work that they are doing in the official team.

“I think for sure they are working super well and they know everything that we did.

“Now it will be a really good test to see if we can keep this performance also in Le Mans, a really different track.”

Alex also tried the latest Ducati aerodynamics on his way to sixth on the testing timesheets.

“It was difficult to take conclusions on the aerodynamic side, just in one track, because maybe we need a track with a bit more fast corners,” he said.

Brother Marc Marquez was the fastest Ducati rider at the test, in fourth.

The French Grand Prix at Le Mans takes place from 8-10 May.