Let's Talk MotoGP: Think Bagnaia Isn't a Great Rider? Read This

I am aware that Pecco Bagnaia is not the most popular MotoGP rider. I have already written a lot on this subject., and it's true that this question fascinates me. It perfectly illustrates the contrast between what a man reflects and what he truly is. Today, we will discuss a proof of his greatness that even his most loyal detractors will not be able to refute.

 

In history

 

There was a lot of talk about Angel Nieto's victory total after the Argentine Grand Prix, which was equaled by Marc Marquez. On the other hand, after the GP of the Americas, no one really mentioned Pecco Bagnaia's 30th success in MotoGP, which, however, will soon make him equal the 31 of two legends.

 

 

Pecco Bagnaia is now the 10th most successful driver in the premier class. This is impressive in itself. But it goes further: in Austin, he finished just one behind two great drivers: Dani Pedrosa and Eddie lawsonIf that doesn't cut it for you, I don't know what will.

Those who have decided not to like him will not like him for all that, I am well aware of that. And it is always possible to minimize such an accomplishment, by saying, for example, that the context is different, or that he has the best motorcycle. Well, precisely, I will amuse myself by refuting these arguments and proving, once again, the greatness of the Italian.

 

Steadie Eddie, he's not just anyone

 

Let's start with Eddie Lawson. Those who follow this section know the esteem I have for this pilot., whom I consider one of the five greatest of all time. Yes, you read that right. The four-time world champion was a true monster, the best of the best era.

It's true that Bagnaia has an excellent bike. But one of two things: Pecco's competition is made up of excellent riders who also ride Ducatis. In recent years, he's had to put up with an excellent Johann Zarco, a fiery Jorge Martin, an otherworldly Bastianini, a super Bezzecchi, and now Marc Marquez. Prime  ! Eddie Lawson had even stronger competition, I'll grant you that., but he always had very good bikes too – apart from the Cagiva. This will be my second point: The Yamahas and Hondas he rode were among the best machines, and at the time, the second-tier private teams absolutely could not compete with the official teams.

 

 

I'm not claiming that Bagnaia is as great a driver as Lawson, because it's simply not the case. However, it must be recognized that seeing him almost equal the American while he has contested twenty fewer races (!) is a major achievement, without needing to mention the Ducati Desmosedici or the extended calendars.

 

Dani Pedrosa, a more equivocal example

 

Dani Pedrosa is considered by many to be a MotoGP legend – which is not my case –, as I already said hereHe is seen as a symbol of longevity, and rightly so, as he was still very strong at the start of 2024 when he made a wild card for KTM at Jerez, at 38. But Pedrosa is now only one win ahead of Bagnaia, while he too has competed in many more races in the premier class!

Pedrosa may never have had a bike as good as the Ducati for the past three years, but he certainly hasn't been shortchanged throughout his career; the Spaniard has always benefited from a very fast Honda, but has often been beaten by opponents who were simply better than him – sometimes, they were his teammates. In the grand scheme of things, he is certainly not to be pitied in terms of material.

And to be perfectly honest, I've never seen Dani Pedrosa drive like Bagnaia does. Don't let nostalgia blind you, The legendary No. 26 has never been as strong as "Go Free" in MotoGP.

 

The sky is the limit?

 

Now who's left ahead? Rossi, Agostini et Marquez will be very hard to get. To go and tickle Mick Doohan (54 wins), he'll have to get up early. But if he has a long career and is always riding a good bike, then why not? On the other hand, I feel he's capable of overtaking Jorge Lorenzo, which stopped at 47 successes. By then, it will be necessary to overtake Pedrosa and Lawson, therefore, but also Casey Stoner et Mike Hailwood.

You can think what you want about Pecco Bagnaia, but you only have to read all the surnames mentioned in this article to convince yourself of his immense talent. Just look at who he's compared to, who he's contrasted with. It doesn't matter the era, the bike, or the competition. He is already part of history.

Do you think Pecco Bagnaia can match Lawson and Pedrosa on Sunday? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport