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MotoGP, Bagnaia: “They’ll have to beat me in 2023, not Ducati”

“There are many Ducatis on the track, but I’ve been the fastest the past two years. With Bastianini, it’ll be a good, sound rivalry. We both know that fighting in the garage is in no one's interest.”

MotoGP: Bagnaia: “They’ll have to beat me in 2023, not Ducati”

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A dream come true. In Valencia, Pecco Bagnaia managed to bring the MotoGP World Championship title back to Borgo Panigale, not only following Casey Stoner’s legacy, but also Giacomo Agostini’s, winning as an Italian on an Italian bike and interrupting a dry spell that had lasted 50 years. 

Interviewed by our Matteo Aglio for La Stampa, Bagnaia spoke about the season that has just ended, his expectations for 2023, and his relationship with speed and Valentino Rossi, his mentor since his arrival at the Academy. This is an excerpt from the interview, which starts with Pecco’s definition of speed. 

It’s my life and my passion. I live and work for it, and that’s what makes me feel good. A rider has to fight against speed. He must first find and then move his limit. This is the most difficult thing. Everything revolves around speed and time. These are the two fundamental laws of motorcycling.”

A rider always gets incredible sensations when winning. These are Bagnaia’s emotions. 
Becoming world champion in the MotoGP was the greatest satisfaction of my life, but also a huge commitment. From Valencia onward, I haven’t had a break. It’s great, and that’s how it should be. I can’t complain, but now I need a vacation. To have the recognition from the President of the Republic, Mattarella, was magical. I was moved when giving my speech at the Quirinale.” 

Pecco knows what he wants for 2023 and commented on who’s to beat in 2023, whether it’s Bagnaia or Ducati.
Bagnaia is the man to beat. There are a lot of Ducatis on the track, but I’ve been ahead of everyone for two years. When you’re the man to beat, the pressure can do terrible things. I don’t want to rush it, but I do want to enjoy what I did, because I still haven’t finished. Surely, the strategy for this next year will be to win, hoping to have an easier start and a more linear season.”

The rivalry with Bastianini will be one of the topics of the future. 
It's a sound rivalry, so it’s good. We’ve known each other for a long time, and we know that waging war in the garage would lead to nothing. Everyone will be think of themselves in the race and, this season, the best battles were with Enea. But there are also other fast Italians. Bezzecchi, Marini, Morbidelli could win. It reminds me of the time of Rossi, Biaggi, Capirossi, Melandri. The five of us grew up together, and it would be nice to battle it out against each other.” 

He ended with speaking about Rossi and Marquez. 
Rossi and Marquez are the two riders who made the difference in our sport. Along with Stoner, they dictated a new way of facing the grand prix. Valentino was metamorphic, able to adapt during the different eras of the MotoGP, and the undisputed leader. Marc pushed the limit. Stoner invented a new riding  style. I’m proud to be able to say that I’m Valentino’s friend.  I feel lucky and privileged. I try to take advantage of his experience to grow. I’ve always been fascinated by the way he races. He managed to win even when he was slower, annoying his opponents. Marc, on the other hand, is a racing animal. He doesn’t care if he risks falling at every turn, in order to win.

 

Translated by Leila Myftija
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