“I’m very happy,” Bagnaia said after smashing the track record. “We are ready at 100 percent for first race.” The Italian failed to finish five races last season and at the halfway point, after crashing on lap three in Germany, trailed the 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo by 91 points. Bagnaia accelerated through the field on his Ducati, winning the next four races. He crashed again in Japan, but also collected another win and three podium finishes in the last six races. Quartararo’s Yamaha could not keep up.
Former team-mate Jack Miller, now at KTM, was impressed by the impact of the first title on Bagnaia. “This year he seems more of a changed man, a confident man, and he’s riding pretty impressive,” said the Australian. In the final testing, only Quartararo, who found some pace on the last day and was third quickest, broke Ducati’s domination of the top eight. Bagnaia acknowledged teams did not show all their cards in testing but said: “It looks like we have more advantage than last year.” Ducati’s edge suggests Bagnaia’s main rival may come from across his own garage. Fellow Italian Enea Bastianini, who finished third last season for Ducati’s satellite team Gresini, has moved up to the factory team.
The pair traded barbs last season, but this winter gave a jokey joint interview to the MotoGP website. “Like he said last year, he’s a bastard!” Bagnaia said. “Because he pushes like a bastard. “The battle between us will be intense, but we have to be intelligent and respectful to have a good relationship.” Bastianini said he would not back down. “The big difference is Pecco is MotoGP world champion and me, no!,” he said. “He’s the fastest rider in the world. It is a pleasure to battle, to fight with him this year, and to try to win.”
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Islamic countries should form an alliance against what…
A rare snake species known as the blunt-nosed viper and other reptiles, especially the geico…
As Pakistan prepares to celebrate the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on September…
PCB Director High-Performance, Tournament Director Champions One Day Cup Nadeem Khan has said that the…
The Health experts addressing a symposium on Saturday stressed lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes which…
Pakistan's combined contingent is all set to participate in the 5th World Nomad Games, scheduled…
Leave a Comment