The current two-time world champion has won the last two Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, but comes to this weekend after failing to score points in Portugal and fighting for sixth place in America.
A key issue for Bagnaia has been a vibration at the rear which has appeared intermittently in the first three rounds and is something other Ducati riders have struggled with.
After a modest start to Friday’s practice in Jerez, Bagnaia shattered his own lap record from last year and took the lead in the afternoon session by 0.100 seconds.
“We have used a different strategy than on a normal Friday,” said Bagnaia.
“We used this Friday as a test and it has been very useful. We tried more things than normal and I am very happy.
“We didn’t have vibrations, but normally the vibration comes on Saturday in the sprint race.
“And for that reason, my feet are on the ground. But my feeling has increased on braking, on entry, [ha sido] much better, less movement. So very happy.”
Francesco Bagnaia, Equipo Ducati
Foto: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
When asked what the changes were, he added: “I can’t [decirlo]. But it was something quite big on the bike. I needed something big.
“It was just work to have a better feeling. When you have a better feeling you can do something that helps you be in a better position when exiting the corners.”
Ducati has been working hard to diagnose the vibration issues its riders have been facing, and Bagnaia believes it is due to Michelin’s different rear tire construction in 2024.
“For me, it’s because the construction of the tire is different,” he theorizes.
“It gives you more grip, but if you force the tire it can start to vibrate.
“We have to say that the lap times we are doing this year are incredible, so maybe you weren’t expecting this kind of performance because the grip is so much better.
“So, maybe they were thinking about having the same lap times but with more support [del neumático].
“But, right now it seems like the lap times are incredible, but in our situation my feeling on the bike, with my set-up – also [Jorge] “Martin, who is the same – has this type of vibe.”
