Cal Crutchlow has expressed his support for Pecco Bagnaia amid the Italian’s recent MotoGP struggles, describing him as “still one of the best riders in this championship” despite a tough run of form.
Bagnaia, a 29-time grand prix winner and double world champion with Ducati, has slipped to eighth in the standings this season and is winless since the 2025 version of the Desmosedici was introduced. He will leave Ducati at the end of the year to join Aprilia in the new 850cc/Pirelli era.
“People go through that in their career. It’s as simple as that,” Crutchlow said during the Aragon round. “It doesn’t mean that he’s lost his talent, his speed, his determination to do better, to be able to be fast. He’s just gone through a bad period, and that’s what happens to athletes and sportspeople sometimes.”
Crutchlow, who recently returned to racing as an injury replacement, added: “There’s no doubt that Pecco Bagnaia is still one of the best riders in this championship. I thoroughly think he’ll be back at the front at some point this year, and also in the years to come. He’s still young. He’s super talented, and there’s no doubt he can be up there. So, yes, it’s a tough watch sometimes, but hopefully he stays completely committed and he’ll be back there sooner rather than later.”
Crutchlow’s words highlight the respect Bagnaia still commands in the paddock, as he looks to bounce back and add to his impressive career achievements.
