07.04.2022 |
Christina Bulpett |
MotoGP
Picture: GeeBee Images
Ducati Lenovo’s Pecco Bagnaia is seemingly back to 2021 sensations ahead of MotoGP’s return to the Circuit of the Americas.
Bagnaia suffered a disastrous Saturday in Argentina before finding his mojo in Sunday’s race to slice through from the fifth row to fifth at the flag. The smiles were clear to see on the Italian’s face as last weekend came to a close, and with podium memories still fresh from his October visit to Texas, a resurfaced COTA could bring more of the same.
The 25-year-old was on pole at Austin last year too, with just the ‘King of COTA’ Marc Marquez and 2021 MotoGP Champion Fabio Quartararo bettering him around the demanding 5.5km, 20-turn track. With his faith now restored in his Desmosedici, he’s hoping to kick start his championship challenge at the Americas rodeo.
“During the last GP in Argentina, I finally found the same sensations I had last year on my Desmosedici GP, and I’m very happy because it means we’re working in the right direction,” Bagnaia confirmed.
“I can say that my world championship really started last week, and now I’m determined to maintain this momentum.
“On Sunday, we’ll race in Austin, a track where I finished third last year, starting from pole position. I hope to be as competitive this year and get some more important points for the championship”