Final season Bagnaia achieved what appeared unthinkable by recovering from a 91-point deficit to Fabio Quartararo to be topped world champion on the closing 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, whereas the identical will also be mentioned of Fabio Quartararo for his 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 may 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 talking to Autosport.
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Staff
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
After scoring most factors within the Portugal opener by profitable the dash and the grand prix, Argentina was a troublesome spherical for Bagnaia as he solely scored 4 factors because of 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 thus far, has put the Italian manufacturing facility in agency management of the constructors’ combat – whereas Ducati riders lockout the highest 4 spots within the standings.
“All Ducati riders are quick,” Bagnaia added. “Within the first place, as a result of they’re superb, and secondly as a result of our motorbike adapts to many various using 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 gained, I do know I can do it.”
