In a moving interview with *BENZINE* and Cosimo Curatola, Pietro Bagnaia, father of two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, looks back on his son's incredible journey, from his first turns at the age of four to the pinnacle of world motorcycling.
"He was a good boy, without problems, always responsible”, Pietro remembers. “Even as a child, he didn't do anything wrong and always respected adults. He spoke little to me, more to his mother. But from the age of three, he knew he wanted to ride a motorcycle.. "
Si Peter Bagnaia initially opposed his son's precocious passion, the determination of Pecco finally convinced him.He insisted so much that his mother told me to at least let him try. At four years old, he rode a mini-motorbike in Cuneo. He was very small, but he had impressive control. "
The road to success was marked by sacrifices, especially financial ones.Lots of traveling, lots of time away from home. But we were always together. Pecco never felt alone”, says Pietro, praising in passing the essential role of his wife, “a true pillar” of their son’s journey.
"When there were no results, or when things were difficult financially, he never wanted to give up. He always had that spark, that motivation. I said, 'If he doesn't give up, neither will we.. '"
The Moto2 world title of Pecco in 2018 remains engraved in the family's memory bagnaia. “It was an indescribable emotion.”, confides Pietro. “When the MotoGP title came along, it was even more incredible.. Something we couldn't even have dreamed of.. "
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According to his father, what makes Pecco so special, it is above all his mentality: “he is very rational, never gets discouraged. The studies the races, thinks a lot. And he has a very high work ethic. The never settle for less. "
Asked about the influence of Marc Marquez in his son's career, Pietro is categorical: “Marc has always been a role model, especially when he was unbeatable. For Pecco, Márquez wasn't just a rival: he was the mirror in which he could look at himself. This motivation was essential to his development. Sometimes the best opponents are also the best teachers.. "
Outside the circuits, Pecco remains true to himself: discreet, reserved, attached to those close to him.He doesn't like to talk about himself too much, he has few friends but very good ones. And he always comes home as soon as he can. "
Shopping remains a source of intense stress for the family.We don't sleep the night before, and we don't talk during the race. We watch with tension, in silence. "
To those who dream of seeing their child follow the same path, Peter Bagnaia advises above all listening and support:
"Don't force them, but don't hold them back either. if you see that they really want it. Be prepared for many sacrifices, but if your child is passionate, it will be worth it.. "
Through his words, Peter Bagnaia reveals a proud, lucid father, deeply admiring of the path taken by his son — a champion MotoGP shaped by talent, but above all by unwavering family values.
