Champ's sad silver lining, Aussie's 'nostalgic' return to scene of magical moment - MotoGP Japan form guide

Ahead of Japan at Motegi, Francesco Bagnaia arrives in a starkly different situation than a year ago—after going from dominance to a slump. On that 2024 weekend, Bagnaia topped practice, grid, sprint and Grand Prix, set circuit and lap records, and led for all 36 laps over two days. But in the final five rounds of last year after Japan, he failed to score in a Grand Prix, slipped to fifth overall, and has now reached this weekend ninth in the championship with no podiums in six straight rounds. The article also notes Ducati’s internal standings, with Bagnaia behind Alex Marquez and other riders.