Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez are World Champion in every category. The Italian have five more World Title than Marquez.
When Bagnaia was recently asked in a conversation with La Stampa which riders in his eyes can and have made the difference in the premier class.
The Ducati rider listed three names, two of whom he had competed with on the track and one who had already retired before he debuted in the premier class.
“Rossi and Marquez are the two riders who made the difference in our sport.” Bagnaia said.
“Along with Stoner, they dictated a new way of facing the Grand Prix. Valentino was metamorphic, able to adapt during the different eras of MotoGP and the undisputed leader.”
“Marc pushed the limit and Stoner invented a new riding style. I’m proud to say that I’m Valentino’s friend. I feel lucky and privileged. I try to take advantage of his experience and grow.” Bagnaia added.
Bagnaia made history by becoming the first rider to win a MotoGP title despite having five DNFs during the season. He faced a 91-point deficit to win by 17 points over 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo.
He is a product of MotoGP legend Rossi’s VR46 Academy, which he set up in 2014 to help nurture young talents from his homeland during a period when there were few frontrunning Italians in grand prix racing.
“I’m proud to say I’m Valentino’s friend. I feel happy and privileged. I’m trying to take advantage of his experience and grow as rider.” Bagnaia said.
“He even managed to win by annoying his opponents at times when he himself was not the fastest.
“Marc, on the other hand, is a racing animal. He doesn’t care if he’s about to fall in just about every corner, his will to win is unparalleled.” he added.
There is no doubt that Bagnaia will be one of the main favorites for the world title in 2023.
Moreover to his own rider’s title, Ducati will also defend the constructors’ and team’s world title next season, so a good starting point to start the new season, although past results offer no guarantee for the future.
