Pecco Bagnaia seeking 2022-style MotoGP turnaround at “one of the classics”

Pecco Bagnaia heads to this weekend’s Spanish MotoGP seeking a repeat of his 2022 Jerez turning point.

That season saw the factory Ducati rider arrive without a podium from the opening five rounds, before surging to victory at Jerez.

It was the first of seven wins that carried the Italian all the way to a maiden MotoGP crown.

Bagnaia returns to the same circuit in 2026 after his most difficult start of the Sprint era.

The Italian has taken just one podium – second place in the COTA Sprint – from the opening six races, leaving him ninth in the world championship standings.

Ducati, meanwhile, is on the back foot, with Aprilia currently leading all three world championships.

As in 2022, Bagnaia will be hoping Jerez, combined with Monday’s post-race test, can help swing momentum back in his favour.

“Jerez is a track I really like. One of the classics on the calendar: technical, fast, and complete,” said Bagnaia, who followed up the 2022 victory with further Jerez wins in 2023 and 2024.

“I have so many great memories here, including from Moto3 and Moto2: podiums, placings, and three MotoGP wins.

“I can’t wait to get back on track and feel the passion of the many fans and motorcycle enthusiasts who always come to visit us here in Andalucia.”

Free practice for the Spanish MotoGP begins on Friday, with the first official in-season test of the year taking place on Monday.