A big broken dream. This is what the Misano race stands for for Pecco Bagnaia, which had been just perfect up to the moment of the crash. He took pole and then put on a spectacular race until he made a mistake that earned Fabio Quartararo the title. The French would probably have won in Portimao or Valencia, but it would have been nice for Bagnaia to keep the result open until the end.
However, 2021 cannot be seen as a disappointing year for Pecco, taking victories and pole positions and often proving to be the only true rival in the title fight against Fabio Quartararo. This season must be seen as a starting point for the future, with the desire to bring Borgo Panigale back to the title after too long a fast that clashes with the massive improvement of the Desmosedici in recent seasons. The Bagnaia, who showed up to meet the journalists after the race, did not look disappointed or angry, but was aware that she had given everything until the end.
“I had this chance and tried to the end – explained Pecco – I gave everything in every lap to push as hard as possible. I chose the hard front and that was the only chance, but me always had to push very hard. ” to prevent the tire from cooling down. I’m happy with what I’ve done, although of course I’m a little frustrated with the result. Maybe I deserved a little more, but that’s fine. I think at least I have a good base for 2022. Fabio was certainly the driver who deserved this title the most, so I’m happy for him. Last year he was in my situation, he fought for the title and made some mistakes. I think that I will arrive better prepared next year “.
Today the route in the stands was split in half between Rossi’s fans and yours. Was that exciting for you?
“It was wonderful to see so many fans with the # 63 in the stands. I thank them from the bottom of my heart, it drives me crazy. It was amazing to hear them scream my name from the stands and even when I fell how everyone shouted and cheered me on. I would have loved to win for them and I’m sorry, but I can say it was very exciting. “
Was your mistake due to a drop in concentration?
“It was certainly not because I lost my concentration. I pushed – today was a win or a gravel and I tried everything to get that win. The selected tire was the right one, the medium did not work. I pushed hard from the first lap Maybe I braked a little later on the lap in which I fell and fell. We worked hard, the race pace was even better than at the last race at Misano. I’m frustrated, but I’m also happy to show that I can fight at the top. “
Were you afraid of a possible final attack by Marquez?
“I didn’t think too much about Marquez because I knew he would have to struggle with the track he had chosen in the final laps. I just tried to push my pace and stay consistent. I was sure that I would have an advantage over him in the final laps. Of course the pressure was there, but not like in Aragon or here in Misano with Fabio the other time. “
How do you rate your World Cup in general?
“Last year I finished 16th in the world championship and was down to two races. This year shouldn’t be the year of winning, it’s learning, but everything was easier for me and we did a good job. I’m happy because I finish in second place so I’m not angry about losing this title because it wasn’t really our goal to win that title. I’ve learned so much in the last few races, I’ve always been able to fight for victory and that’s a big step forward compared to what we were at the beginning of the season. I think we lost the Mugello World Cup when I fell. Then in Austria too, when I got the tire that didn’t work, which also happened to me at Silverstone. I lost the world championship in those three days. But it’s not right to think like that, I’ve just lost. Now it’s time to learn and improve in 2022. I am sure that I will arrive better prepared for the next challenge. “
Do you think Ducati is the best bike on the track today?
“Everyone thinks Ducati is the best, fastest and most competitive motorcycle. But the fact is that a Yamaha won the world championship. We have really worked a lot, our bike is certainly very fast, but we still have a lot to do for the future. The step forward this year was clear and for next year I think our bike can become the bike to beat. “
When was the real step forward for you that led to your taking on the role of the title contender?
“I divide the World Cup into two phases, that was studying until the summer break and then the following, in which everything was easier for me. I found a base on which I could work perfectly. There were two races in which the tires did not work well and although I was among the fastest I only took 5 points home. I was perfect on many tracks, I was perfect here too, but then I made a mistake. I had to win and I tried. I can only say that to be happy. I’m sure frustrated, but happy “.
What do you think the World Cup will look like in 2022?
“The scenarios for next year are difficult to imagine, also because this season is not over yet. I know we have laid a great foundation for 2022. I know that I’ve learned a lot in the last few races and I will continue to do so in the future. The awareness I’ve achieved this season turns me into a World Cup in 2022 that is heading in my direction. Quartararo, Mir and Marquez will be very quick, but I will try to do my part. I knew it would be difficult to keep the World Cup open after Misano, but I wanted to try. But I have nothing to complain about, this World Cup has always been in Fabio’s hands. “