Reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia has expressed significant concerns regarding the regulatory shift toward a single-bike-per-rider rule for the upcoming season. Speaking ahead of the Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno, the Ducati factory rider warned that the proposed technical restrictions—including reduced bike availability and limited testing opportunities with new tire suppliers—could compromise rider safety and hinder competitive performance.
Why is the one-bike rule causing friction among riders?
Bagnaia argues that limiting teams to one motorcycle per rider creates an unnecessary safety risk and complicates race-day strategy. According to his comments reported by Motorsport.com, the current system allows riders to push at the absolute limit because a backup machine is readily available. Under the proposed rules, a crash during qualifying would force a rider to compete in the Sprint race using a bike that has not been tuned to their specific setup, creating a setup deficit that could lead to dangerous handling characteristics.
How will the removal of front ride-height devices impact safety?
While Bagnaia remains critical of many upcoming rule changes, he supports the decision to ban front ride-height devices. The Ducati rider, who has mastered the use of these complex systems, admitted to Motorsport.com that the devices are an engineering “masterpiece” but acknowledged their potential danger during race starts. By mandating their removal, the series aims to simplify the start procedure and reduce the risk of collisions at the first turn, where riders currently struggle to disengage the mechanical systems while navigating tight traffic.
What are the challenges of the transition to Pirelli tires?
A major point of contention for Bagnaia is the limited opportunity to test the new Pirelli tires scheduled for introduction next season. Because he is moving to a new team at the end of the current campaign, he is contractually barred from testing the 850cc machinery or the new rubber until the official December test in Valencia. Bagnaia told reporters that the limited four-hour test window in December is insufficient to understand tire behavior, placing riders who cannot participate in earlier testing sessions at a distinct disadvantage compared to their peers.
Comparison: Testing Access for 2025
| Rider Status | Testing Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Current Team Remainers | Can test at Brno and Austria |
| Moving Teams (e.g., Bagnaia) | Limited to December test in Valencia |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Bagnaia feel optimistic about Brno? He cites the track’s layout as being similar to Mugello, a circuit that suits his riding style and the front-end characteristics of his current Ducati.
- When will the new technical regulations take effect? The major rule changes, including the move toward single-bike availability, are slated for the start of the next season.
- Why can’t Bagnaia test the Pirelli tires earlier? As he is changing teams, contractual obligations prevent him from riding his current manufacturer’s bike with the new tire compound, and he is barred from testing the new manufacturer’s bike until December.
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