Before the Italian Grand Prix, the Ducati official asserted himself as one of the main favorites for the title, even holding out to golden boy Fabio Quartararo. Did he lose everything on his land? Analysis.
En MotoGP, a fall is rarely serious if it does not cause physical injury. On the other hand, some leave psychological trauma, due to the harshness of the impact or the crucial context.
This is the topic of the day. By making a “stupid” mistake, according to him, Francesco may have lost any chance of a title in the Mugello. Let's quickly review the start of the season to better understand the phenomenon.
bagnaia, Ducati factory hopeful, ideally begins his season by finishing 3e during the opening round, then twice 2e in Portugal and Spain. The reds are clearly the best machines on the grid, running on different circuit profiles (this is evident from losail but it is less so
Portimão or to Jerez). “Pecco” masters his subject and gains in consistency.
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
At Le Mans, he crossed the line fourth, after a race full of twists and turns. We consider this a good result.
Then comes Mugello. As you know, the Tuscan tour is unique. The Italian Grand Prix is undoubtedly the most anticipated round each year, the one which is worth "more than the others", like the Monaco Grand Prix in F1 if you prefer.
After the tragic disappearance of Jason dupasquier, some pilots were more affected than others and this is completely normal. We are not throwing stones at Francesco. However, during the race, an error in concentration caused him to fall, while he was in the lead.
Falling is one thing. Falling in front of the fans, at home, where a Ducati victory is expressly expected, the circuit is very favorable to the Desmosedics, that’s another one. The kind of mistake that is costly, psychologically speaking.
Only one point separated Fabio from Pecco before this round. Seeing Quarta' triumph must have been difficult for the Italian driver to take. Since then, Bagnaia has shown good consistency, but not a single podium and a race pace far from the favorites.
A step too high? Photo: Michelin Motorsport
During the Catalan press conference, reading Pecco's thoughts was easy. Doubt took over. Once an ounce of doubt crosses the minds of such competitors, accustomed to winning since childhood, it is very difficult to come back at least for a championship. More than the physical state, confidence is the key to all success.
One moment, one fall can change everything. This was also the case for
Casey Stoner in 2008 US Grand Prix, “defeated” in the eyes of all by
Valentino Rossi. Even the toughest minds experienced such misadventure, like Jorge Lorenzo during the 2014 season.
All psychologists will tell you: Only the person concerned has the resources (or not!) to come back from a failure. The mark of great champions is not to win when everything aligns, but to face psychological and/or physical adversity. Naturally discreet, Bagnaia does what is necessary to score valuable points despite Quartararo's surge.
Coming back from 47 points at mid-season is almost impossible especially since the form “ from El Diablo » is astonishing. Sport also teaches us that a lot can happen in nine races. Third in the championship, nothing is done. He alone is the master of his destiny.
Will we see him again at the top of the “pack”? Bagnaia was on the pace at Assen, but too many errors forced him into the long lap. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Quickly mentioning Ducati is essential. You may have noticed, but the firm is clearly less strong in recent races. This could well be corrected on the Red Bull Ring.
Bagnaia must take advantage of this break to refocus on himself and build up his confidence. Don't bury it yet, because if his victory counter opens in Austria, he could well attack the end of the season in
starving outsider, in other words very dangerous for the championship.
Pay attention to “GoFree” 100%. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
