Pecco Bagnaia is not really done with the Ducati representations and other promotions which often follow the glory of having won a World Champion title in MotoGP. So, even if he is currently in Dubai with his future wife Domizia to officially enjoy a well-deserved vacation, he is praising the merits of the Ducati Desert what racing number will he wear in 2023 on his Desmosedici: the number 1 of the World Champion and his traditional 63? In Borgo Panigale, we swear that we will let our pilot choose in complete freedom. Which does not prevent us from giving him food for thought so that he understands the importance of his decision...
Pecco Bagnaia left Europe to take a step back from everything good that happened to him this year in 2022 in Dubai. But he has not completely cut ties with Borgo Panigale which is waiting for a final decision from him before focusing definitively on 2023. The subject is to know what number he will decide to put on his Ducati for next season. Will he show up on the starting line with No. 1 as Nicky Hayden in 2007, Jorge Lorenzo in 2011 or even Casey Stoner, the latest to have assumed his status as World Champion, in 2012? Or will he keep a 63 which follows a 21 seen in Moto3 and a 42 sported in Moto2?
Ducati has his opinion on the matter and gave it to his driver through the voice of the sporting director Paolo ciabatti : " it was a fantastic year for Ducati – not only from a sporting point of view, but also for the company with sales figures higher than anything we've had before » begins the Italian on speedweek before getting to the point: “ number 1 is definitely important because it sends a clear signal. Number 1 belongs to the world champion ».
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Ducati: “we also understand that, nowadays, drivers build their image and their merchandising around their number displayed in races"
And he blurts out: “ from the company's point of view, it would be great if our pilot chose number 1. On the other hand, we also understand that there is a bit of superstition and the fact that drivers, nowadays, build their image and their merchandising around their number displayed in races ».
« Like Pecco said, I really think he likes number 1 because this is a strong statement for the driver and the manufacturer », insists Ciabatta. " On the other hand, it's a tough decision to give up a number that brought you happiness. He did, however, change his number several times – from 21 to 42 to 63. He won the Moto2 title with the 42 and the MotoGP title this year with the 63. Maybe that could help his decision a little », added the sports director of Ducati with a smile that ends: “ Ultimately, however, we leave this decision in the hands of the pilot. Because it's important that he can relax and ride with the starting number that best represents him ».
It will be recalled that during the 100 km race of champions at the Motor Ranch in Tavullia in November, the starting number 63 has already made way for number 1. The answer to the dilemma will be revealed in four weeks now, during the presentation of the official troops Ducati in view of the 2023 season Our Lady of Campiglio.
