In a gripping interview with Moto.it, renowned MotoGP expert Carlo Pernat pulled no punches while dissecting the turbulent season of Pecco Bagnaia and the precarious future of Ducati as they eye 2025 and beyond. Pernat’s insights reveal a world of confusion and concern within the Ducati camp, suggesting that the struggles of their star rider have left the team in a state of disarray.
Pernat didn’t hold back when addressing Bagnaia’s disappointing performance, stating, “Sin duda, los pronósticos de Bagnaia se equivocaron,” which translates to “Without a doubt, Bagnaia’s predictions were mistaken.” He asserted that the entire paddock seems to share in the confusion, implying that a staggering “80%, o quizá incluso más” of observers misjudged the situation. The expert boldly suggested that if Bagnaia could erase 2025 from his memory, it might be for the best, as he too appears to be grappling with his understanding of the season’s challenges. Pernat lamented, “mi impresión de este pronóstico erróneo, lo repito, y asumo mi responsabilidad… ‘mea culpa, mea culpa, mea grandísima culpa’,” showcasing his candid acknowledgment of the unpredictability that has plagued the team.
Digging deeper, Pernat highlighted the psychological toll of the close presence of Marc Márquez, who, despite being sidelined with an injury until January, has undoubtedly cast a long shadow over Bagnaia’s confidence. “Mentalmente le han afectado muchas cosas y es evidente,” he noted, emphasizing the mental barriers that may be hindering Bagnaia’s performance. With a sense of urgency, he remarked on the critical need for clarity, stating, “bendito sea quien haya entendido algo,” as he called out the lack of understanding surrounding the ongoing struggles.
The situation for Ducati is further complicated by Márquez’s injury, which Pernat believes could dramatically influence the dynamics of the upcoming season. He expressed concern, stating, “yo estaría un poco preocupado si fuera Ducati,” as he reflected on the dual challenges of a recovering Márquez and a rejuvenated Bagnaia entering a critical championship year.
Pernat didn’t shy away from critiquing Jorge Martín’s dismal year either, labeling his season an “error injustificado.” He pointed out that expectations for Martín were sky-high, and his inability to perform at the level expected has created a psychological burden that could weigh heavily moving forward.
On a larger scale, Pernat turned his focus to Honda, asserting that it cannot afford to remain stagnant if it hopes to reclaim its former glory in the MotoGP realm. He declared, “Honda no puede dejar de volver a ganar un mundial y volver a ser lo que era,” emphasizing the necessity for Honda to regain its competitive edge amidst fierce rivalries.
As the conversation shifted toward the future, Pernat revealed the intricacies of the relationship between Márquez and Ducati’s key engineer, Gigi Dall’Igna. He described it as a “pacto de sangre,” or a blood pact, suggesting a deep-rooted commitment to mutual success that could shape the outcome of the upcoming competitions. Pernat urged urgency in contract negotiations, suggesting that Márquez should waste no time and dive into preparations as soon as the New Year festivities are over.
Finally, Pernat addressed Yamaha’s struggles, emphasizing the stark reality that a major overhaul was necessary after reaching the limits of their current engine design. He cautioned that without a fresh start, riders like Fabio Quartararo might find themselves stuck in a cycle of mediocrity once again.
In a bold conclusion, Pernat shared his thoughts on Toprak Razgatlioglu’s entry into the MotoGP arena, advising a cautious approach. He suggested that waiting until 2027 to sign a contract might be the wiser path, given the uncertainties surrounding new machinery and the need for development.
As the MotoGP landscape evolves, Pernat’s insights paint a vivid picture of a sport rife with uncertainty, high stakes, and the relentless pursuit of glory. The upcoming seasons promise to be anything but predictable, and fans are left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how these narratives unfold.
