Ducati joined the MotoGP grid in 2003 and in 2007 celebrated its first world title with Stoner on the helm.
When Stoner left Ducati on the finish of 2010, the Italian marque slumped down the order and wouldn’t win one other grand prix till 2016, whereas it wouldn’t be till 2022 that it topped a world champion for a second time.
Bagnaia overcame a 91-point deficit halfway by the 2022 season to finish Ducati’s 15-year wait for an additional title on the last spherical in Valencia final November.
Talking completely to Autosport, Bagnaia says the comparisons between himself and Stoner are onerous to grasp for the Italian.
“It’s very troublesome of me to see my identify subsequent to Casey’s,” Bagnaia mentioned.
“If you’re little and also you see your idols, you assume it’s unimaginable to succeed in what they imply to you.
“It’s a bit like college after I was little and appeared as much as my elders. Once I was a senior I didn’t see myself as totally different from what I used to be earlier than.
“I do know I gained the title with Ducati like Casey did, and I gained the report for consecutive [race] wins [with four in a row]. However I don’t see myself as him.”
Casey Stoner, Ducati Marlboro Workforce
Picture by: Andre Vor / Sutton Photographs
Bagnaia says he has at all times had a deep love for Ducati and desires to develop into related to the model in the identical means Valentino Rossi and Yamaha are linked.
“Since I used to be a toddler I’ve been one of many largest followers of Ducati ever,” Bagnaia added.
“I’d like my identify to be recognized much more with Ducati. It’s a bit like Marc [Marquez] and Honda, or Valentino within the case of Yamaha.”
Heading into this weekend’s French Grand Prix at Le Mans – which can mark the 1000th world championship occasion – Bagnaia leads the standings by 22 factors after taking victory on the Spanish Grand Prix.
Ducati has gained three of the primary 4 grands prix in 2023, with Bagnaia taking the spoils in Portugal and at Jerez, with VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi successful in Argentina.
