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 one more title on the remaining spherical in Valencia final November.
Talking solely to Motorsport.com, Bagnaia says the comparisons between himself and Stoner are onerous to understand for the Italian.
“It’s very troublesome of me to see my title subsequent to Casey’s,” Bagnaia stated.
“If you’re little and also you see your idols, you suppose it’s unattainable to succeed in what they imply to you.
“It’s a bit like college after I was little and regarded as much as my elders. Once I was a senior I didn’t see myself as completely 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 file for consecutive [race] wins [with four in a row]. However I don’t see myself as him.”
Casey Stoner, Ducati Marlboro Crew
Photograph by: Andre Vor / Sutton Photographs
Bagnaia says he has all the time had a deep love for Ducati and desires to change into related to the model in the identical method 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 title 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 is able to 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 profitable in Argentina.
