Ducati works rider Pecco Bagnaia in a clash with TV journalists

The MotoGP World Championship will make its final European stop this coming weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, before heading to Asia. For Ducati MotoGP works rider Pecco Bagnaia (29), the event is a particularly important opportunity to assess his form before heading overseas for the finale of his era with Ducati Corse.

Bagnaia appeared in remarkably good spirits at the press conference on Thursday, but immediately adopted a much more serious demeanour when the conversation turned to the events at Misano. There, a semi-private conversation Bagnaia had on Saturday was recorded by a TV crew from DAZN Spain and subsequently published in part – though, according to Bagnaia, taken out of context. During the conversation, Bagnaia spoke openly about a lack of support from Ducati. There was a need to address the issue: “You all know me very well – you listen to me every time we race. I’ve always said that I have Ducati’s full support,” explained the two-time champion.

A clear statement from the Ducati works rider

The Italian continued: “What happened at Misano was completely disrespectful on DAZN’s part. It is what it is now. But the video they recorded was completely taken out of context. Okay, we were talking about something that wasn’t a secret, but it was private. But the video isn’t complete. There was something else we were discussing. Certainly, the last bit I said wasn’t correct. We’re going through a difficult phase. Sometimes you say something without thinking – or you say it the wrong way.”

Bagnaia added in Austria: “What I wanted to say was: I’ve tried several times to change things – but Ducati won’t let me. Okay, what came out of my mouth was wrong – but what happened afterwards was a disaster for me. The relationship between riders and journalists should be a good one. I’ve always treated you kindly, was never angry and answered every question. I know how important journalists are, because they speak to the world on our behalf.” The long-standing Ducati rider also reported that he had had a frank discussion with the Ducati bosses.

Bagnaia: The media must be transparent!

The Turin-born rider emphasised: “You can take our statements at any time and publish them in a different context. But you must be transparent. I also know that sometimes it’s important to have a good headline to get lots of online clicks. So in future, you might get less from me. We spoke to Ducati about this on Wednesday. What was shown in the pictures looks terrible. But the lads also have the interviews from Friday and Sunday. In those, I said that Ducati supports me; they know that. And so they know I’m not mad. Of course, I’m also sorry for the words I used. It’s important for our relationship, because it’s a good one.”

Topic of the week

Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring: track – hit or miss?

The people of Madrid had set their sights high for their city’s first Formula 1 World Championship race since 1981. But have the high expectations for the new Madring mixed-circuit track really been met?

Mathias Brunner

Read More

TV Program

Tomorrow

Red Bull Ring: International Livestream

MotoGP World Championship

18.09.2026 - 08:55

On the sporting front, things can only get better for Pecco Bagnaia in Austria. The number 63 has failed to score any World Championship points in his last six MotoGP races.