The new MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia speaks with an open heart about his mentor Valentino Rossi and his rival Marc Marquez.
After winning the MotoGP title and a long trail of events and award ceremonies, Pecco Bagnaia flew on holiday with his better half Domitia Castagnini whom he will marry within the year. First stop in Dubai and then in the Maldives, the Ducati champion is still enjoying his world championship dream astride the Desmosedici GP22, at the end of a long run-up on Fabio Quartararo.
World champion for the second time, after the Moto2 title in 2018, but being number one in the MotoGP class is unmatched. “It was the greatest satisfaction of my life, but also a great commitment“, he says in an interview with ‘La Stampa’. It will be difficult to repeat himself, but not impossible, being able to count on a bike that will start head and shoulders ahead of its rivals. He will certainly be the man to beat, behind him a long list of names. “There are many Ducatis on the track, but they are two years ahead. When you’re the man to beat, pressure can play tricks on you. Surely the strategy will be to win, hoping for an easier start and a more linear season“.
Pecco Bagnaia and the teachings of Valentino Rossi
The first opponent will be inside his box, it’s called Aeneas Bastianiniwinner of four GPs in 2022. It will not be a repeat of the historic rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi, there will be healthy competition: “We’ve known each other for a long time and we know that arguing in the garage would lead to nothing“, underlined Pecco Bagnaia. “In the race everyone will think for themselves and this season the best battles were with Enea. But there are also other strong Italians: Bezzecchi, Marini, Morbidelli could win“.
There is a lot of talk about starting a winning cycle, with this Ducati nothing is impossible and it all depends on the handle. But perhaps it will be impossible to match the achievements of two MotoGP legends like his mentor Valentino Rossi and the big one Marc Marquez. “They are the two riders who made the difference in our sport. Together with Stoner they dictated a new way of approaching the GPs“, continued the rider from Chivasso. “Valentino was metamorphic, capable of adapting to the different eras of the MotoGP and undisputed leader. Marc has moved the limit, Stoner has invented a new riding style“.
A special thanks certainly goes to the Doctor who gave him useful teachings to get to the levels where he is today. Be part of VR46 Riders Academy it is a source of pride and prestige. “I try to use his experience to grow, his driving has always fascinated me at every race. He managed to win even when he was slower, displacing his opponents“.
