Why Francesco Bagnaia is ruling out repeat of Japan MotoGP win

Francesco Bagnaia doesn’t expect to repeat last year’s dominant Japan MotoGP weekend at Motegi, saying a “top seven” finish is the most he can realistically aim for. The factory Ducati rider swept the event in 2025, taking pole and winning both races, but Bagnaia describes the circumstances as an exception amid a challenging season. This time, he points to new Michelin harder tyres and a resurfaced track that make comparisons to 2025 largely meaningless. He said the focus is understanding grip and the updated asphalt, while hoping to start well. Bagnaia is coming off recovery after a run of three consecutive DNFs, finishing inside the points again in Austria.