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Final season, Bagnaia achieved what appeared unthinkable by recovering from a 91-point deficit to Fabio Quartararo to be topped world champion on the ultimate spherical in Valencia, marking Ducati’s first riders’ title in 15 years, since Casey Stoner’s 2007 triumph at the beginning of the 700cc period.
As anticipated, Bagnaia’s feat earned him reward from all sides, particularly given his comeback combat, highlighted by 4 consecutive victories between the Assen and Misano rounds that helped him slash the preliminary factors deficit.
Forward of the third spherical of the 2023 season, having simply misplaced the early riders’ championship result in Marco Bezzecchi, Bagnaia accepts he’s title favorite this yr however stays humble in regards to the season and his standing in Ducati.
However in comparison with Honda’s most up-to-date dominant period, which was largely credited to Marc Marquez, and Quartararo’s 2021 title win for Yamaha, Bagnaia hasn’t been given the identical degree of credit score for his 2022 feat.
Bagnaia feels he hasn’t earned that standing off the again of his first MotoGP world title, however feels he might enter that dialog with a run of a number of world championships for Ducati.
“I have not earned that proper but. If I present that I’m the one who’s at all times in entrance with this bike, that solely I win and that I win three titles in a row, then we should speak about Pecco,” displays Bagnaia, when chatting with Motorsport.com.
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Crew
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
After scoring most factors within the Portugal opener by successful the dash and the grand prix, Argentina was a tricky spherical for Bagnaia as he solely scored 4 factors due to sixth place within the dash earlier than he crashed within the grand prix.
The great type of the Ducati riders, who’ve occupied 9 of the 12 podium locations up for grabs to date, has put the Italian manufacturing unit in agency management of the constructors’ combat – whereas Ducati riders lock out the highest 4 spots within the standings.
“All Ducati riders are quick,” Bagnaia added. “Within the first place, as a result of they’re excellent, and secondly as a result of our bike adapts to many various driving kinds.
“Going quick and being a champion are two various things. To me, the title has given me extra peace of thoughts. Now I do know I’ve received, I do know I can do it.”
