The Baggers will again be on the track during the Assen weekend, competing in the third round following Austin and Mugello.
As for the Italian contingent, there’s plenty of anticipation surrounding Andrea Iannone, fresh off his victory in Race 2 in Tuscany.
“The Maniac” discussed the race weekend while also analyzing the latest topics of discussion in MotoGP, ranging from the rider market to the penalty imposed on Bezzecchi.
“Undoubtedly, the level here is rising even further,” he began. “The teams are strengthening their lineups, and Torres has joined the fray as well. As I’ve always said, races are always difficult no matter what—even more so when everything is new and you don’t have much opportunity to adapt the bike to your riding style. The bike is the same for everyone, and there’s very little you can change. So you have to adapt and do the best you can.”
For someone like you who comes from different championships, what’s it like to race in a one-make series?
“I’ll tell you that, as in all racing, there are pros and cons. On the one hand, a one-make series is great because it puts everyone on an equal footing; on the other hand, though, it can get complicated if you can’t get comfortable with the bike and can’t reach your full potential. It’s not easy for everyone. I’m able to adapt pretty well to many situations; I’m having fun and I’m happy to be here. In the end, it would have been hard to get off to a better start than we did. It’s a shame about Race 1 at Mugello, because without that red flag we probably would have won both races. But that’s in the past now, and we’re looking ahead.”
How were the weeks after Mugello?
“Yeah, it was all really great. There was a huge celebration; everyone was really happy. Even on the street, lots of people stopped me. They’d say, ‘Awesome, you’re a legend—I have a Harley too; you’re one of us.’ I’ve noticed there’s been a lot of attention, and I’m glad to be part of this championship and, hopefully, to have helped generate even more interest. Not that it was needed, but inevitably there’s been a bit more attention. That makes me happy. I hope to put on some great races for the fans and to repay, at least in part, the affection they’re showing me.”
The announcements for 2027 are in: on one side, Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta on Ducatis; on the other, Pecco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi on Aprilias. Which team is stronger?
“They’re both very strong teams. If we’re talking about technical infrastructure and organization, based on my own experience, Ducati remains the benchmark. When I arrived at Aprilia, the way of working was very different from Ducati’s. So, if you’re asking me about the team and not the riders, based on my experience, Ducati is the strongest organization.”
And what about the riders?
“I don’t know. I really like Bezzecchi; I like Acosta too, but we all know how strong Marc is. Pecco certainly needs no introduction either. Ultimately, though, a team is also made up of the people and the chemistry they manage to create together. At that level, we’re talking about world champions. Perhaps the only one who hasn’t won a World Championship yet is Bezzecchi, but I think that given what he’s showing and how he’s riding, he’d really deserve it. I see him as very focused, especially in terms of his attitude. I like seeing Bezzecchi like this. I’d love to see him win a world championship, whether it’s soon or in a few years. Given what he’s doing, I think he deserves it. That said, a part of my heart will always be with Ducati.”
In 2027, there’s a risk that Ducati won’t have an Italian rider…
“I’m sorry to hear that, because Ducati has had so many Italian riders. Gigi looks at performance and results on the track. Of course, it’s nice to think of riders like me and Dovizioso, all the way up to Pecco. But things change. I’m sorry that Pecco isn’t with Ducati anymore, but that’s life. After so many years together, they’ve achieved incredible results. We shouldn’t just focus on what we’re losing; we also need to look at everything we’ve built and achieved together. They’ve written a beautiful chapter in history. Now there will be two Italian riders at Aprilia, and I wish them both the best.”
Among the four riders involved in these market shifts, is there one you particularly like?
“If I had to say who I like the most, it’s probably Bezzecchi. I like his attitude; I like how he’s working and how he’s riding. I see him as very focused.”
Did the World Championship seem all but decided until a few races ago?
“World Championships are never over until they’re over. Never say never. It’s complicated, of course, but in life and in racing, anything can happen. We can’t know what will happen.”
Finally, regarding the Bezzecchi situation—what’s your take on it?
“To be honest, I didn’t follow the MotoGP race directly. I read about what happened and watched a few videos. I know what it feels like in those moments, and I know it’s not easy. That’s why I don’t feel comfortable blaming Marco. It’s certainly something none of us should ever do. But, as they say, before judging someone, you should put yourself in their shoes. I think he reacted well after the incident: he accepted the penalty, apologized, and I think he understood where he went wrong. Unfortunately, managing your emotions isn’t easy in certain moments. I honestly didn’t expect them to let it slide. But today, I don’t think that’s the point. The important thing is that a precedent has been set. There have been similar incidents in the past—maybe not slaps, but shoves or other reactions—and nothing ever came of them. Now, however, there’s a clear precedent, and we all know what the consequences of certain behaviors might be in the future.”