Francesco Bagnaia Struggles in Friday MotoGP Practice
The championship contender finished 12th at Sepang and missed out on direct qualification for the Q2 session.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Motorcycles
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Francesco Bagnaia finished 12th in the Friday practice session for the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit. The result means the rider failed to secure a spot in the upcoming Q2 qualifying session.
Why it matters
Bagnaia reported a significant lack of feeling on his motorcycle, which hampered his performance during the session. This struggles adds pressure to his standing as he attempts to secure a higher grid position for the race.
Bagnaia has now failed to reach the top 10 on Friday 11 times throughout the 2026 season. During this specific practice session, he lost eight tenths of a second in the second and third track sectors.
The players
Francesco Bagnaia
He is a professional motorcycle racer who competes at the highest level of MotoGP and rides for the Ducati factory team based in Borgo Panigale.
The details
Despite a crash at Turn 1, Bagnaia showed strength in the first and fourth sectors of the track. His performance was further complicated by the fact that planned resurfacing work at Sepang was cancelled due to shipping issues for materials.
Timeline
The practice session for the Malaysian Grand Prix took place on October 30, 2026.
Roadmap
Bagnaia's consistent struggle to break into the top 10 during Friday sessions is a recurring theme within the 2026 MotoGP season. These qualifying hurdles force riders to take more risks during Saturday sessions to remain competitive against the rest of the field.
Fans watching the Malaysian Grand Prix will see Bagnaia forced into the Q1 qualifying session to fight for a spot in Q2. This position significantly changes his path to the front of the starting grid for the race weekend.
The takeaway
Riders must adapt quickly to track surface conditions when planned maintenance is delayed or cancelled. Maintaining consistency throughout practice sessions is essential for securing favorable starting positions on Sunday.
Further reading
For more updates on current racing results, visit our Motorcycles section.
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