Each MotoGP season contains its share of anecdotes and unusual statistics. The 2022 campaign is no exception to the rule. Among them, we found a particularly interesting one, which says a lot about the evolution of the category.
Francis Bagnaia, 2022 MotoGP world champion, was radiant in the second half of the season. Moreover, after turning the question in all directions, we can now say that he is the best driver in the world. Since
Dutch Grand Prix, his stellar form allowed him to climb a whopping 91 points on Fabio Quartararo, never seen before at the highest level. We haven't seen such a strong driver since Marc Márquez in 2019, during his crazy year. The Italian exuded an impressive serenity, as if the title was destined for him regardless of the adventures.
An impressive season. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
To get to the heart of the matter, Assen à
Valencia, he scored 18,4 points per race (ppc) over ten rounds, and 20,4 ppf when he finished on his wheels. Stratospheric.
Quarterly or even Andrea Dovizioso have never managed to maintain such a pace over such a long period. So, of course, we often remember that Bagnaia at the start of the season was in difficulty on a Desmosedici that was difficult to operate, but ultimately, he was victorious at Jerez and Mugello. Certainly, his 2022 campaign was much better than last year. Are we so sure?
Get this: His points per carry average in 2021 was higher than in 2022 (13,2 ppc vs. 14,0 ppc). This means that theoretically, Bagnaia 2021 would have beaten Bagnaia 2022. This singularity, which is an anecdote, is completely counterintuitive. We didn't dream: his 2022 season was much better. He triumphed seven times compared to four last year, and beyond that, he was simply stronger, something that cannot necessarily be explained, but which is observed.
So why this oddity? First, let's start with the facts. The falls have their share of responsibility in the low total of points accumulated by Pecco Bagnaia in 2022, the second lowest for a MotoGP champion since 2002. Then, Quartararo's loss of speed allowed this title, because without " ugly " of the Frenchman, Bagnaia would never have been able to do it.
Quarta was a major player in Bagnaia's title, that's a fact. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Now let's move on to the hidden part of the iceberg, which is particularly interesting to dissect. This difference between the two averages is quite strange because our perception is deceived. In reality, his 2021 campaign was excellent, but overshadowed by Fabio's, especially from our French point of view. Bagnaia gives the impression of falling often, which has been true since his arrival in 2019. However, last year, he only fell twice in 18 races, even though our brain gave him more credit. abandonments. The year 2022 also biases the judgment because it is unique, or almost. It is very rare to see a driver so strong but so irregular. This was the case with
Kevin Schwantz in 1989 but these profiles are original in history. Of course, the culture of the moment also influences our understanding of this statistic.
This is one of Pecco's great qualities: His driving gives the impression that he is averaging 20 points per race, but in reality, he is far from that total. Thus, its greatness and the image it reflects exceeds its proven level. He becomes all the more dangerous and confident.
Who do you think would win a championship between Bagnaia 2021 and Pecco 2022? The question is quite relevant. In our opinion, the mental advantage acquired by “Go Free” this season would have been decisive. The momentum, largely in his favor, would have caused his previous version to crack: Over the last ten races, nothing could stop him, not even himself. Tell us what you think in the comments!
We were so focused on the title promised to Quarta that we forgot the Bagnaia exercise. Superb image by the way. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
