Casey Stoner's Take on Francesco Bagnaia's Ducati Challenges and Aprilia Move
Casey Stoner has voiced his opinion that Francesco Bagnaia faced undue hardship during his tenure at Ducati, particularly when his concerns about the bike's performance were largely disregarded. Stoner observed that despite Bagnaia's previous championship successes, the 2025 season saw him grappling with a fundamentally altered Desmosedici, impacting his ability to consistently contend for top honors. This period of struggle ultimately led to Bagnaia's decision to seek a new challenge with Aprilia, a move Stoner believes could be pivotal for the rider's resurgence.
Bagnaia's departure from Ducati marks the end of a highly successful partnership that brought two MotoGP riders' titles to the manufacturer, achievements that ended a long drought since Stoner's own victory in 2007. Stoner's empathy for Bagnaia stems from his conviction that the rider was unfairly treated, emphasizing that the GP25 model exhibited distinct characteristics compared to its predecessor. He hopes that the transition to Aprilia will offer Bagnaia a fresh environment and renewed motivation, allowing him to regain his championship-winning form and confidence.
The Unacknowledged Struggles of Bagnaia at Ducati
Former MotoGP champion Casey Stoner has articulated his belief that Francesco Bagnaia was unfairly burdened by the challenges he faced with Ducati's bike, describing it as "getting the short straw." Stoner pointed out that during the 2025 season, Bagnaia expressed concerns about significant changes in the Desmosedici's behavior, which he felt negatively impacted his performance. However, these complaints were largely downplayed or dismissed by many, who attributed his struggles to other factors. Despite these difficulties, Bagnaia managed to secure two Grand Prix victories and several podium finishes, yet he frequently found himself struggling for pace and failed to complete a significant number of races towards the end of the season.
Stoner highlighted that even though Bagnaia and his VR46 teammate Fabio di Giannantonio wrestled with the GP25, Marc Marquez, another rider on a Ducati, clinched the title with races to spare, suggesting the bike's inherent capability to win despite its perceived flaws. This disparity, according to Stoner, underscored Bagnaia's unique predicament, implying that the machine's characteristics might have been particularly unsuited to his riding style or preferences, leading to an unfair burden on the two-time champion who had previously delivered remarkable success to the team.
A New Chapter with Aprilia: A Chance for Revival
Following a challenging 2025 season with Ducati, Francesco Bagnaia is set to embark on a new chapter with Aprilia, a move that Casey Stoner views as a crucial opportunity for the Italian rider to regain his former glory. Ducati's decision to sign Pedro Acosta from KTM for 2027 effectively paved the way for Bagnaia's transition, where he will now join fellow Italian Marco Bezzecchi. This shift signals the end of a highly fruitful era for Bagnaia at Ducati, where he famously secured two consecutive riders' championships in 2022 and 2023, ending Ducati's long wait for a title since Stoner's triumph. His successes, particularly his victory over Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo, cemented his legacy with the team.
Stoner expressed optimism that this fresh start at Aprilia will provide Bagnaia with the necessary impetus to build upon the momentum he has already begun to rediscover with the GP26 this year. He believes that Bagnaia's previous struggles were a direct consequence of being dealt a difficult hand at Ducati, despite his loyalty and significant contributions to their championship success. The move to Aprilia, in Stoner's view, offers a chance for Bagnaia to find new motivation and a supportive team environment, enabling him to return to the confident and dominant rider he once was.