Pecco Bagnaia finished Friday practice at the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit in 12th place, eight-tenths off Marc Márquez’s best lap, after crashing at Turn 1. The Ducati rider had seen the track as a prime opportunity to break through a challenging 2026 season.

Unlike his teammate Márquez, who topped the timing sheets in both Free Practice 1 and the afternoon session, Bagnaia struggled to find the pace he urgently needed.

The Italian pushed hard late in the day to secure a direct spot in Q2 but crashed at Turn 1 during this crucial phase. Though uninjured, the incident shattered his chances to improve.

Bagnaia expressed bewilderment after the session, admitting, “I don’t know, I am giving everything. In theory, this is a circuit that suits me better, but it has been much harder than expected.”

Bagnaia: ‘I don’t have much performance’

Reflecting on his performance, Bagnaia acknowledged his optimism about resolving ongoing issues may have been misplaced. “Maybe I was too optimistic about my problems. But it’s tough, really complicated; I don’t have much performance.”

He noted a slight silver lining in recalling that he also failed to reach Q2 last year on Friday, suggesting a possible rebound on Saturday.

The Ducati rider’s frustrations stem from a persistent crisis with the bike’s handling that has plagued him since the summer break. “The sensations on the bike are completely different from the winter tests, and that’s the key thing to understand,” Bagnaia explained. “My bike only works well on the straights. I gave my maximum in the first and last sectors—I think I was among the top three there—but I lose eight tenths in the other two sectors. It’s ridiculous.”

Riders divided over Sepang asphalt

Several riders criticized the Sepang asphalt, claiming it deteriorated after the recent Formula 1 event. Bagnaia disagreed, stating, “In my opinion, it’s the same as during the tests, neither better nor worse.”

He added that a planned resurfacing was thwarted by logistical issues linked to the ongoing global conflict, and insisted, “It’s fine as it is; we knew for a long time there wouldn’t be new asphalt for this race.”

Saturday qualifying crucial for Bagnaia

Bagnaia’s candid admission highlights the deep-seated challenges Ducati faces with their package this season, as the factory rider battles to find competitive pace on a circuit where he once excelled.

With his championship hopes hanging by a thread, the Italian’s Saturday qualifying session will be crucial in salvaging a positive outcome from a deeply frustrating Friday at Sepang.