Francesco Bagnaia: “Difficult” to See My Name Next to Stoner as Ducati MotoGP Champion
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, Ducati’s latest MotoGP champion, has emerged as one of the brightest stars in modern motorcycle racing. Winning the 2022 MotoGP World Championship with Ducati and continuing his successful streak, Bagnaia has cemented his place among the greats of the sport. However, as much as his name is now synonymous with Ducati’s success in the MotoGP paddock, Bagnaia remains humble about being compared to one of his most illustrious predecessors, Casey Stoner.
In a candid interview, Bagnaia expressed how surreal it felt to have his name mentioned in the same breath as Casey Stoner, the Australian rider who brought Ducati their first MotoGP World Championship title in 2007. “It’s difficult to see my name next to Stoner’s,” Bagnaia admitted, recognizing the immense legacy that Stoner left at Ducati and in the world of MotoGP.
Casey Stoner is widely considered one of the most naturally talented riders in the history of MotoGP. His 2007 championship with Ducati remains one of the sport’s most remarkable achievements, as he was able to tame a bike that many other riders struggled to control. The Ducati Desmosedici was infamous for its raw power and aggressive handling, with its success heavily reliant on the rider’s ability to manage its unpredictable characteristics. For Stoner, this challenge seemed to come naturally. His mastery of the Desmosedici GP7, particularly on tracks where its top speed and sheer power were advantageous, was nothing short of legendary.
Stoner’s ability to ride beyond the limits of what the bike offered—without relying too heavily on electronics—set him apart from his contemporaries. In an era when the electronic aids in MotoGP were still evolving, Stoner relied on his natural feel for the machine, utilizing his incredible throttle control and ability to push the bike to the edge. His skill at managing the bike in its purest, most demanding form earned him a place in Ducati’s history books and the hearts of its fans.
For Bagnaia, the path to becoming a Ducati MotoGP champion was not straightforward. After joining the premier class in 2019, Bagnaia quickly showed promise but took a few seasons to fully realize his potential. His breakthrough came in 2021, where a series of strong performances solidified his standing as a contender for the title.
The following year, Bagnaia’s 2022 season saw him overcoming fierce competition, notably from Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo, to clinch the world championship. His triumph ended Ducati’s 15-year title drought since Stoner’s 2007 victory, making him only the second rider to win a premier class title for Ducati.
However, despite his championship victory, Bagnaia has consistently downplayed comparisons to Stoner. “Casey was able to manage the bike in ways that not many could, especially with fewer electronic aids,” Bagnaia acknowledged. While Bagnaia has adapted to modern MotoGP’s highly sophisticated electronics and rider aids, he recognizes that Stoner’s era required a different skill set, where the rider’s instincts and raw talent played a larger role in controlling the motorcycle.
One of the significant differences between the MotoGP era of Stoner and that of Bagnaia is the increased reliance on electronic systems to manage the bike’s power and handling. Modern MotoGP bikes are equipped with advanced traction control, anti-wheelie systems, engine braking controls, and ride-height devices, all designed to help riders maximize performance while minimizing risks.
Bagnaia has openly discussed how these electronics aid riders, especially in controlling the immense horsepower of today’s machines. The electronics allow for more precise adjustments to the bike’s behavior, making it more manageable over the course of a race. However, Bagnaia is quick to point out that this doesn’t necessarily make the job easier.
“Managing the electronics is a skill in itself,” he said, highlighting that modern riders must understand how to use these aids to their advantage without becoming over-reliant on them. The ability to fine-tune settings throughout a race—while simultaneously reading the bike’s feedback—is a challenge unique to today’s MotoGP.
That said, Bagnaia is in awe of Stoner’s ability to ride the Ducati with minimal electronic intervention. “Stoner could manage the Ducati MotoGP bike better than electronics,” he said, paying homage to the Australian’s unmatched feel for the bike’s dynamics. Stoner’s success in an era with fewer electronic assists is a testament to his extraordinary talent.
While Bagnaia may feel it is “difficult” to see his name next to Stoner’s, his results speak for themselves. He has managed to master Ducati’s latest iteration of the Desmosedici and has done so in an era where the competition is fiercer than ever. His ability to balance the raw power of the Ducati with the fine-tuning provided by electronic systems is a testament to his skill and adaptability as a rider.
As Ducati continues to evolve its MotoGP machines, Bagnaia is determined to build on his legacy. He remains focused on the future, with his eyes set on securing more world championships for the Italian marque. While he acknowledges the importance of Stoner’s contribution to Ducati’s history, Bagnaia is also carving out his own place in the story, leading the charge in a new era of MotoGP.
In the end, Bagnaia’s humility is one of the qualities that endears him to fans and the MotoGP paddock alike. His respect for Stoner’s achievements and his acknowledgment of the differences between their eras highlight his understanding of the sport’s evolution.
“Casey will always be special for Ducati,” Bagnaia said, “but I’m proud to be part of this new chapter.” While it may be difficult for him to fully grasp the magnitude of his achievements just yet, there is no denying that Bagnaia is well on his way to becoming one of Ducati’s most iconic riders. Just as Stoner did in 2007, Bagnaia is writing a new chapter in Ducati’s MotoGP legacy, and the wor
ld is eagerly watching what comes next.
