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Francesco Bagnaia, after two years riding the Moto3 Mahindra, with which he won two Grand Prix and obtained further podium results, has decided to "return to the fold", in a certain sense, or rather to wear the team Sky VR46 colours once more, having already raced for them in 2014.
Young Bagnaia has grown up, not just in height but also from a personal point of view: "I'm 20 now, still young but not that young - clarifies 'Pecco'- after several season with the small Moto3, which gave me and taught me so much, I felt ready to move up to Moto2, to have a new experience on a bike I don't know and that I still need to learn. I'm very excited, the winter break was too long: I want to ride the bike".
Your move is important, not just from a sporting point of view but also professionally...
"Yes, because I've come back to a team I know, a very prepared, competent and professional team. One of the reasons that led me to return to the Sky VR46 team is that I missed the team and the individual members, I've seen their continuous growth from outside and we're ready for a good season together".
For you, coming back hers is like coming back..?
"...home! Considering that the team HQ is just 10km from where I live, I repeat - coming back to the Sky VR46 team is really like coming home".
You've already tested the Moto2 Kalex, how is it?
"I've only had initial contact and am curious to get back on the Moto2 to confirm what I felt the first time around in Spain: with respect to the Moto3, the Kalex weighs a good deal more, it has wider tyres, you feel the transfer of load, particularly in braking and changes of direction. The engine is new for me: the Honda 4-cylinder pushes and, without electronic help, you need to be careful on the throttle. Despite having only ridden a little, thanks to the team I was able to adapt quickly and find a valid base on which to work during the next tests".
With this bike, especially at the end of a race on used tyres, you have to "row" to keep it on track. Has training at the ranch become more important?
"Yes, but... at this level of competition, every aspect of preparation is important, or fundamental in fact. I have to train more with weights in the gym to reach a more consistent body weight and gain greater physical strength... in the changes of direction I realise I need to do more in this area".
Who is your main adversary in Moto2?
"I'm lucky enough to have two of the strongest in the category in Valentino's Academy : Baldassarri and Morbidelli are two very strong riders, I started to watch them carefully last year, I've studied their riding styles, I also really like Nakagami, his riding is interesting. But then Luthi has also struck me, he is the opposite of Nakagami: rather than cutting the corners, Thomas paints them with rounded, clean lines. I'll try to do a mix of the two".
You seem calm on race weekends, is that actually the case or just the impression you give?
"Before a race I go to the toilet at least four times, to get it all out (he laughs). Yes, it's true, I've worked hard to improve my attitude before the race, I don't want to make a fuss, I want to reason calmly about what we need to do and in the race I want to be aware of doing the right thing at the right time. This is something Valentino has taught me. In 2015 he asked me to pay attention to my race management and thanks to his advice the results have come, even in difficult moments".
Yesterday, joking, Baldassarri said that 'plates will fly around the kitchen' between you two; are you fighting for the same goal?
"To answer that, I need to race a few races, also to understand my level. I know we can complete a good season and be in the top ten, but i also know that he is fighting to win races and the title. We have, for now, different goals, I want to become Moto2 rookie of the year and he wants to take the title. I like Baldassarri and hope there are no problems between us".
For now, all is calm between the two VR46 housemates.
