After a period of fogging, ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia seems to have finally blossomed, becoming the most competitive rider in the Ducati squad and taking his first MotoGP victories at Aragon and Misano. Despite having shortened the gap from Quartararo to 52 points (it was 70 after Silverstone), it is definitely too late to rock world championship dreams, with only 75 points to be awarded until the end of the season. But the name of Bagnaia is now becoming familiar to all fans, Italians and non-Italians, who are looking for an heir – if there ever will be, at least partially – of Valentino Rossi, who will hang up his helmet at the end of the year.
It is therefore not surprising that the Americans of the Moto2 interviewed the 2018 Moto2 champion CNN, who wanted to start from the relationship with the ‘Doctor’: “I remember very well the first time I met him. We were having dinner and Vale and our coach walked into the restaurant. I was very nervous to meet my idol, it was strange to see him in front of me and shake his hand“. Now the report is decidedly more confidential: “We are now good friends and talk a lot about my championship. Over the past month he has encouraged me to always be the best and improve every time“. Bagnaia also revealed the origin of his nickname: “My sister is only 20 months older than me. When we were little, calling myself ‘Francesco’ was difficult, that’s how Pecco called me “, explained the rider of the Ducati factory team.