Moto2 World Champion in 2018, the Turinese Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia is at 23 years old a pure product of the VR46 Riders Academy, a perfect example of the excellence of this transalpine training set up by the maestro Valentino Rossi to support and train young Italian talents.
He has competed in 124 Grands Prix, including 69 in Moto3 with 2 victories, 36 in Moto2 with 8 first places and the title, and 18 in MotoGP with 15th place last year in the Championship, and as a best result a magnificent 4th position at Phillip Island, 0.1 behind his Australian teammate Jack Miller.
“The first time I rode a Ducati was in 2016. It was one of the Aspar team's bikes, but I didn't like it that much at that time. » This was his reward for his victories in Moto3.
“Whereas in 2018, when I drove it in Valencia, it was one of the most exciting moments of my career. I remember the excitement of opening the throttle wide for the first time and I think I'll try again when we start again, because I haven't been to a MotoGP race in a long time “, explained “Pecco” to GPOne.com, answering questions from fans on Instagram.
Pecco also revealed his desire to do endurance, and not just any race.
“I would love to do the Suzuka 8 Hours, and I think Jack Miller would too. We could ask Ducati for a motorcycle. It's one of those once-in-a-lifetime things. »
Bagnaia also looked back over his career, choosing the two best moments.
“Definitely my victory in the Moto2 World Championship because I made a dream come true. It was a magical moment and I put it in first place. »
“Then, next to that, the one where I signed the contract with Ducati and Pramac. We had been in contact for a while, and I signed without having won in Moto2 yet, then three weeks later I did it in Qatar. »
The Piedmontese driver also described a certain dynamic in the pit.
“A friendly relationship is created between the driver and the team manager. This is the reference point in the pit, and always on the driver's side. If you create a good link, it can help you win because you blindly trust it. »
Photos © Pramac Racing
