The reigning double world champion has received the final two Spanish Grands Prix at Jerez however comes into this weekend off the again of a non-score in Portugal and a wrestle to sixth in America.
A key difficulty for Bagnaia has been a vibration on the rear which has intermittently cropped up over the primary three rounds and is one thing different Ducati riders have battled.
After a low-key begin to observe on Friday at Jerez, Bagnaia smashed his personal lap file from final yr to high the afternoon session by 0.100 seconds.
“We used a unique technique in comparison with a standard Friday,” mentioned Bagnaia.
“We used this Friday as a check and it was very helpful. We examined extra issues than regular and I’m very joyful.
“We didn’t have vibrations, however usually the vibration arrives on Saturday within the dash race.
“And for that motive, the toes are on the bottom. However my feeling has elevated on braking, entry, [it was] significantly better, much less motion. So, very joyful.”
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Crew
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Requested what the adjustments have been, he added: “I can’t [say]. Nevertheless it was one thing fairly large on the bike. I wanted an enormous factor.
“Was work simply to have a greater feeling. When you could have a greater feeling you are able to do one thing that lets you be extra in a very good place within the exit of the corners.”
Ducati has been working exhausting to diagnose the vibration points its riders have been going through, and Bagnaia thinks it’s right down to the completely different building of Michelin’s rear tyres in 2024.
“For me, it’s as a result of the tyre building is completely different,” he theorised.
“It offers you extra grip however when you pressure the tyre it could actually begin to vibrate.
“We’ve got to say the lap instances we’re doing this yr are unbelievable, so possibly they weren’t anticipating this type of efficiency as a result of the grip is way larger.
“So, possibly they have been pondering to have the identical lap instances however with extra assist [from the tyre].
“However, proper now it appears to be like just like the lap instances are unbelievable, however in our scenario my feeling on the bike, with my setting – additionally [Jorge] Martin, who is similar – has this type of vibration.”