In the history of Grands Prix, few reigning world vice-champions have found themselves so propelled as favorites for the following campaign. This is the case of Pecco Bagnaia who, despite his defeat against Fabio Quartararo, arrives at the gates of the 2022 season with the favors of the forecasts. Talented and with the apparently ideal Ducati, the consecration would thus be a formality to come. An approach that the Italian obviously does not validate, and firstly because his companions are able to do as well as him. He notably identified one, and he is not Spanish…
This is a fact that must be taken into account, like a long season made up of 21 meetings : a third of 24 MotoGP riders will ride on Ducati in 2022. A strong contingent that challenges Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, four-time winner of the 2021 season and factory driver for the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. He sees it as an advantage, but not only that… “ Eight motorcycles will certainly not be an easy task for Ducati » he said, almost echoing Lynn Jarvis on this theme. “ Two more motorcycles may seem like a small thing at first glance, but it's actually a lot. However, I think they will handle the situation well. It also means more data for us and there are more drivers who will ask for different things. So I think it will be good for us ».
Yes, but with pilots equipped by the same brand, we can quickly go from healthy emulation to fratricidal struggle. A danger that is clearly identified by a bagnaia who sees one in particular: “ I started with a hybrid model, a 2018 version with some older parts, the difference with the 2020 Desmosedici was then very big. I have never driven the 2019 model », remembers the 24-year-old from Turin on speedweek.
Pecco Bagnaia: “Bastianini will continue to develop strongly with this new motorcycle"
« It definitely makes a big difference, but in my opinion the biggest difference was me on the bike. Enea, on the other hand, was very competitive and very fast in the first year. So he used to do certain things when I needed more time » recognizes academician VR46 with great honesty.
Indeed, the 2 Moto2018 world champion's first season in the premier category was difficult. 4th place at Phillip Island was one of only three top 10 results for rookie Pecco in 2019. It was only the year before at Misano that he saw the podium for the first time. “Bestia”, meanwhile, immediately climbed onto the podium twice in 2021.
« Finally, everyone needs their time “, said Bagnaia. “ Enea has been very good in 2021 and I am convinced that he will continue to develop strongly with this new bike, because it's really a very good bike: fast, regular, with very good performance ". The first rivals of this Pecco therefore risk being at Ducati. Note that the Italian takes care not to cite Jorge Martin, winner in his first year in MotoGP in 2021 and who has already clearly identified himself as a candidate for the factory bike for 2023.
