Let's Talk MotoGP: Bagnaia chats with Stoner

It's been a while since we last commented on a Sunday victory by Pecco Bagnaia in this column; and this one is perhaps the most important of all, the one that places him at the level of Stoner, Rossi, Lorenzo. The Italian was imperial from the beginning to the end of this weekend, which, however, did not seem to smile on him more than that. Analysis of a decisive success.

 

Never the strongest

 

It was not Italy. Even less Austria. In Motegi, I was again impressed by the realism of Pecco Bagnaia, who was not even the strongest on this track. First on Saturday, where he himself admitted to being unable to follow Pedro Acosta. The Spaniard qualified in pole position, then flew away during the Sprint before crashing. This racing incident gave the victory to Bagnaia, and even then, it would not have taken one more lap.

Then, the next day, Acosta seemed just as fast, Marquez and Bastianini threatening, Martin on the lookout for another victory. But Pecco only had to pull out his devastating regular pace to never be approached. I have the strong impression that on this rubber-devouring track, his two excellent starts served him better than any strategy. After Indonesia, where he was already not the best, he still takes a lot of points without being in a strong position when he puts his wheels on the Japanese asphalt. It's the mark of the greats.

 

 

As a reminder, Motegi was a circuit that had resisted Bagnaia since 2018. In 2022, then in the middle of the battle for the title against Fabio Quartararo, he delivered one of his worst performances of the second half of the season: an anecdotal race hastily concluded by a fall. In 2023, his rival for the crown Jorge Martin had left him no chance, on Saturday as on Sunday. The Spaniard was impressively easy, which was the case again this weekend, but his mistake in qualifying cost him far too dearly.

This Japanese Grand Prix illustrates, once again if one were needed, the importance of the first three corners in the MotoGP modern. Those who enjoy the best projection capacity – Bagnaia is a master of this art. – always come out on top. Once the gaps grow, it’s over. The finest riders can’t climb back to the top if they fail to make it into the leading group after the first lap.

 

In history

 

This is Bagnaia's eighth victory in a season. In the modern era, since 2002, it has happened a couple of times, granted, but these performances were always signed by the finest hands. Valentino Rossi did so in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2008, Casey Stoner in 2007 and 2011, Jorge Lorenzo in 2010 and 2013, and Marc Marquez in 2014, 2018 and 2019. This is a real achievement.

 

 

Sure, there are more and more races, but more and more drivers can also win. The grid has never been so tight, although it is less obvious this season than in previous ones. Of all the drivers mentioned above, Only Jorge Lorenzo failed to win the title in 2013. However, he deserved it in the eyes of history, but a terrible injury suffered in the Netherlands and reawakened in Germany prevented him from beating the rookie Marc Marquez. Statistically, this bodes well for Bagnaia, as you will have understood, especially since there are still four races left.

I would like to take advantage of this tribute to the Italian to return to a debate that has fascinated me for some time: Who is the greatest driver between Casey Stoner and Pecco Bagnaia? Already mentioned in other articles, I find that the comparison is largely valid, and more than what the nostalgics of a not much more competitive era want you to believe. This victory in Japan does not make Bagnaia greater, but if he wins this title, then I think that his file will weigh more heavily than that of Stoner.

 

 

The "Aussie" was an alien, with a crazy natural talent. He was certainly sexier - on the handlebars - than Bagnaia, I grant you. But two world titles would not compare to four, including three consecutive in MotoGP, all acquired in style.. Sure, the Ducati is the best, but the best also ride the most competitive Ducatis. Don't make me believe that Martin owes his success to his bike alone. Bagnaia will always be a victim of his employer's strength, but that will tend to fade over time, because only successes count. The context, certainly not unfavorable to his greatness, will be better understood over the years. Bagnaia will become very appreciated for his approach, I am sure of it. Another thing I am sure of: Next year will shape the legend of "Go Free", but we will have the opportunity to talk about it again as the subject is vast, and as it transcends the framework of circuits.

What did you think of Pecco Bagnaia's weekend in Motegi? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport