It could be described as a classic first day of school, even if the bell isn’t officially ringing yet. fact is that Pecco Bagnaia‘s new adventure with Ducati as an official driver begins today.
With the Farewell to Andrea Dovizioso, in Borgo Panigale they decided to play heavily on him alongside him Jack Miller. On the one hand, the joy and satisfaction of having crowned a long-cherished dream, on the other hand, the stimuli for a challenge that keeps raising the bar.
“What can I say, from dream to reality – Pecco began – when I first wore this equipment it was exciting. In fact, I’ve dreamed of being on this team since I was a child, because we’re not just talking about Ducati, we’re talking about the factory team. I I am therefore proud, but above all happy and with me is my whole family, as well as my girlfriend, who is a huge fan. I have to say that the moment I took the veil off the new bike was especially exciting as I had never seen it before. It was wonderful”.
Bagnaia: “When you are on an official team, the goal is the World Cup”
Pecco, a new adventure begins. What is the goal?
“If you find yourself in the works team, the goal is the world championship, but The first thing I have to do is win my first MotoGP race. In 2020 I was close, but unfortunately I couldn’t. I will therefore have to try to be constant and quick to avoid the mistakes of the past few years, especially if you can cope with the cold conditions. Actually, an official Ducati rider cannot expect to finish fifth, sixth, or blackout after performing well. For this very reason, the goal is to win. There will be pressure, I’m not hiding that, but pressure must be seen as a positive aspect in order to always give the maximum. Being on this team carries a great deal of responsibility, but we are all aware of it.
Bagnaia: “Tense relationships at Ducati? I’ve always felt good”
For the past few years we’ve seen strained relationships in the official team’s garage …
“I’ve always felt good at Ducati and I’ve faced every situation so I’m not worried, let alone the fear of getting into conversation. I am convinced that it will not happen, also because I have a good relationship with all team members. Obviously if you finish 15th in all races I will
Bagnaia: “It’s a big challenge: many tried, but only one made it”
You have faced several challenges in your life, but you have always managed to overcome them, or at least get away with them unscathed.
“That is certainly the most important challenge of my life. Many have tried, but so far only one has succeeded. So I want to be competitive and give Ducati what it deserves. Taking over the baton from Dovi and Danilo won’t be easy, because they did a great jobtogether with Lorenzo. So I think I have a great responsibility, knowing that it’s going to be tough, but at the same time showing that the bike and the riders are fast.
Bagnaia: “I’ll have more to say on the official team”
What are the sensations in you
“I feel strong and I know that I can fight for the top spots. The last year has been exhausting for me, especially because of the fall in Brno, which led to a broken shin. I was tired, but at the same time I proved that I am fast with the Ducati. For example, I mention the race in Jerez or the race in Misano after an injury. Now that I’m on the Ducati Factory Team, a new challenge is beginning and I’ll have more to say. I’ll do my best and try to understand how to solve the problems that came up in the second part of last season and how to fill the void that came with Jack. I actually want to arrive at the end of 2020 and see the Ducati bosses happy and myself at the same time. “
Bagnaia: “I explained to Luca Marini how Michelin tires work”
You will be on the official team, while on the Esponsorama team we will find Bastianini and Marini. Did you talk to each other?
“I’ve talked to Luca about the Ducati several times. I explained how the tires work and the braking, one of the most important aspects of this bike. Compared to him, I missed those things when I got into MotoGP. However, Luca and Enea have a similar style to my when driving the Desmosedici. as Marini is a rider who braked hard in Moto2 while I had more cornering speed. I hope for him that his adaptation will be easier than mine, as he is aware of the fact that Luca is a very intelligent person. On the other hand, I see Enea less, but I will meet him in Jerez in the next few days. With him, I won’t have any problems exchanging ideas, as we don’t have to hide anything between us, as we will discuss things with each other during the season. I just told the two of them to keep calm and not be like me, because I immediately looked for the flying lap time on my first trip. In fact, it is better to try more styles to find the right way “.
Bagnaia: “Today the Ducati has nothing to do with Valentino Rossi’s”
Her mentor Vale also came to Ducati, but things didn’t go the way he wanted …
“Today’s bike has nothing to do with Vale’s. Many riders suffered from this Ducati, including Dovi. When Rossi returned to the Yamaha, he returned to victory. So I don’t want to make any comparisons with him as this is one of the most competitive bikes in the field.
A new challenge for you, but also for your father, who will be part of the CIV this year to lead the VR46 team …
“My father has always been a little more human than the other fathers as he is someone who loves to be around and interact with young men. That’s why I’m proud of this opportunity and I’m convinced that he can do a great job. When he calls me lately, we’re talking more about his projects than about my results on the track or in the races.