Francesco Bagnaia won four races in 2021 and finished the World Championship in second place, finishing 26 points behind champion Fabio Quartararo in what was still a positive first season as a Ducati factory rider.
The Piedmontese rider obtained his first MotoGP victory at the Aragon Grand Prix last September, after a good battle with the multiple champion Marc Marquez.
Speaking on Autosport’s “Tank Slappers” podcast, Bagnaia said that was the highlight of his 2021, adding that it was also where he started enjoying every aspect of race weekends.
“For me, the Aragon win was the most incredible,” said Bagnaia. “First win, a great battle with Marc. I had a lot of fun all weekend.”
“From that moment on I started having a lot of fun, in every session, every weekend that I did in the last part of the season”.
“So I think I have to work on this, to always be focused and have fun every time. I think it was Valentino’s secret, to enjoy every time he raced.”
“Something has definitely started in my head in Aragon, and also something in my career. I think I have to work on this to make sure it is always like this.”
Valentino Rossi, Petronas Yamaha SRT, Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing, Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team
Photo by: Dorna
Nine-time world champion, Valentino Rossi, finished his extraordinary career in MotoGP at the end of 2021, but will continue to be present in the paddock in 2022 through his Team VR46 and the riders of the VR46 Riders Academy, of which he is also a member. Bagnaia.
Bagnaia is considered one of the main candidates for the 2022 title and expects Rossi will be very close to him if he is in the fight, although for the moment he has not asked him for any more help, given that the Pesaro-born will embark on a career in GT racing.
“I think in that situation he will be very close to me, or close to the rider who will need his help,” said Bagnaia when asked if he would ask Rossi for help if he was fighting for the championship.
“He is our mentor and he will definitely help us. It won’t be easy because he will be busy on his new car job, but he will always be there for us.”
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