Let's talk MotoGP: This quality of Pecco Bagnaia that we don't talk about enough

For the third time this season, Pecco Bagnaia ended up on the ground during a Grand Prix. This is starting to weigh heavily on the balance sheet, that's a certainty, but nevertheless, the Italian is still at the top of the world championship standings. The Sprints played an important role in his overall position, but this year we saw a quality in him that he didn't show last year. Analysis.

I) Serene

In truth, we briefly mentioned it after his Jerez exploit but it was felt again at Le Mans. During the winter, Pecco Bagnaia progressed, although we imagined it would be at its maximum capacity at the end of 2022. This season, he has shown Olympian calm and maddening serenity.. In Jerez, he did not lose his temper in the slightest after receiving a penalty that could be described as unjustified in view of what happened at Le Mans, that is to say no sanction for actions similar.

But on the Bugatti circuit, a new demonstration of tranquility. Already, in qualifying. Pecco Bagnaia is already one of the best in the exercise, in the entire history of motorcycle Grands Prix, factually. By its record (13, tied with Loris Capirossi et Sete Gibernau), but also, by the way. No matter how much time is left on the clock, he poses a danger. At Le Mans, we saw him achieve one of the latest poles in modern history, but each of his laps was imbued with lethal accuracy.

 

During Sprints, he is also the best because he does not risk his life on each start. This allows him, after five contested rounds, to benefit from the best record for this exercise (44 points, against 38 for Binder and 36 for Jorge Martin). In Argentina or at Le Mans, he knew how to let go in the most intelligent way possible.

Moreover, after being upset by Marc Márquez during the Sprint, we saw him plead for the Spaniard's cause in a post-race interview, stipulating that maneuvers of this type should not be penalized. This statement is not trivial since he had suffered the throes of race management two weeks earlier for an identical excess. This demonstrates a great maturity that is important to underline.

Yes, it often falls on Sunday. But note that before each of his falls, it is impossible to predict that he will end up on the ground. In Austin as in Argentina, he bites the dust in attacking phases but he is never in disaster. This is why we think that as the season goes on, Pecco will fall less and less. His style is, paradoxically, less focused on attack than in 2022 but it is even faster, more fluid, more in harmony with his machine.

And then, let's add that his racing knowledge has still been rewarded twice in Portugal and in Jerez. This allowed him to pocket 50 points during the Grands Prix, which, despite three blank results (!) remains more than Brad Binder (43), Jorge Martín (44), Or Luca marini (38). Across the entire grid, only Marco Bezzecchi (76) and John Zarco (58) do better. It should not be forgotten that the MotoGP modern is all the more unpredictable, and the average points needed to be world champion is much lower than before.

 

II) Not in the sense of history

This article could be titled: “Why is Pecco Bagnaia even stronger than you think? ». Because for some unknown reason, he still seems underestimated by the majority of observers. Without a doubt, this is due to the quality that we wanted to highlight in this article.

Pecco Bagnaia is discreet by nature, which works in his favor on the handlebars as we explained previously. Very sporty and cordial, it contrasts with the current MotoGP spirit which wants to be more intense than ever despite the absence of rivalries – that we deplore.

Brad Binder, Marc Márquez, Jack Miller ou Marco Bezzecchi are very appreciated because according to many people, they “put on a show”. In reality, we struggle to understand this argument which harms a clean Bagnaia in its excesses and never in the excess of useless commitment. The show should not be limited to falls and touches, nor should it be about getting back into the peloton. However, it is a fact; sports in the modern era focus their communication on increasingly short and intense moments, to stick to the major means of distribution that are social networks. The introduction of Sprints goes in this direction.

Pecco Bagnaia is not as explosive as the times require. Great characters make sport. It’s clear that the Italian is not like his mentor, that’s how it is, you’ll have to get used to it. It is our theory which attempts to explain the difference between its level and its appreciation by the public.

And you what do you think ? Is this rare serenity a strength, or will it work against him in a battle with Enea Bastianini for example? Tell us in the comments!

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport