Pecco Bagnaia: The "ordinary guy" doing extraordinary things

The 2022 season didn't start in the dream way for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) under the spotlight of the Lusail International Circuit. Various difficulties throughout the weekend in Qatar with the new Desmosedici GP22, before his weekend ended by taking out fellow Ducati man Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing) halfway through the race. A small bump in the road ahead of a vital year in which Pecco himself, Ducati and the Italian fans have high hopes for the number 63.

TITLE DREAM

After what was seen in 2021 and given the potential exhibited by Ducati over the last few months, Bagnaia has earned the label of contender for the title. For his part, he feels ready for a challenge of such magnitude: "I'm ready. If we keep riding well, the title is within my reach. Even with competitive rivals like Marquez, Quartararo and Espargaro". A challenge, moreover, that he will be able to face with the peace of mind of having his future secured.

ETERNAL LOVE FOR DUCATI

Bagnaia confesses that he is "very happy" with the recent renovation and, once again, leaves a clear message, worthy of the sweetest declaration of love, which will surely permeate Borgo Panigale: "Being able to continue with this growth and this adventure is the best thing that could happen to me. If they offered me a whole career with them, I would be happy". In addition, Pecco also values ​​his good relationship with the members of his box, which gives him "serenity, security and confidence", "fundamental aspects to do well".

A NORMAL GUY

Always grateful to key figures in the development of his career such as the VR46 Academy, Bagnaia discovers the most personal side of him in Sporweek, claiming his closest environment and confessing himself as "a very normal guy". He looks back and believes that if he hadn't succeeded on motorcycles, he would have tried to be a space engineer or a chef. Regarding the present, he reveals his love for art, despite not being a collector - beyond footwear - while he admits not being up to date with politics or being too fond of social networks. A fan of reading sports biographies such as those of André Agassi, Usain Bolt or Mike Tyson, Pecco also opens his heart to talk about his partner: "I have known Domizia since I was a child: we are happy together, but we are too young to think to have a baby".

PRAISE FOR HIS RIVALS

Returning to sports news, Bagnaia spares no praise when assessing the ability of Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) to overcome his injuries and, when asked if the 93 or Fabio Quartararo is more dangerous in the fight for the title, Pecco does not hesitate to include Marc's teammate, Pol Espargaro, in the equation after his brilliant pre-season -plus his recent podium in Qatar. Looking also to the future, the Ducati rider does not lose sight of the new talents, such as Pedro Acosta whom he already sees as having a clear future in MotoGP™ in a market of riders always red hot. With his future firmly tied down, will Bagnaia be able to savour glory in 2022? Learn more about the Italian in the Sportweek report.