Davide Tardozzi, a key figure within Ducati’s MotoGP team, recently opened up about Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s ongoing struggles and triumphs during the 2024 season, painting a vivid picture of a champion dealing with both victory and vulnerability. In his remarks, Tardozzi addressed what he called Bagnaia’s “open wound,” a paradox that stands in sharp contrast to the eight races the Italian rider has impressively won this season.
Bagnaia’s 2024 season has been a mix of breathtaking victories and perplexing moments of challenge. Tardozzi, Ducati’s team manager, expressed his empathy for the reigning world champion, acknowledging that despite the wins, Bagnaia is battling what many would describe as an emotional and psychological toll. “It’s paradoxical to think that Pecco has won eight races, yet there remains an open wound,” said Tardozzi, reflecting on how Bagnaia’s struggles off the track seem to weigh just as heavily as his triumphs on it.
The paradox Tardozzi highlights is the gap between Bagnaia’s on-track successes and his internal battles, which have become increasingly evident as the season has unfolded. While Bagnaia is a fierce competitor, consistently outperforming rivals and securing key victories, his mental state appears more fragile than the image of an invincible champion suggests.
The pressure of defending a MotoGP title is immense. In Bagnaia’s case, the weight of expectation has been palpable throughout the season. The 2023 world champion entered the 2024 campaign with hopes high, and despite clinching eight race wins, the strain has sometimes shown in his performances, with uncharacteristic mistakes and moments of doubt creeping in.
Tardozzi described the strain as an “open wound,” a metaphor for the emotional burdens Bagnaia carries as he tries to reconcile his stunning results with the personal struggles he is grappling with. “Pecco is a champion, no doubt,” Tardozzi continued, “but that does not mean he is immune to the pressures and vulnerabilities that come with the position he’s in.”
This emotional load, according to Tardozzi, manifests in Bagnaia’s occasional inconsistency on the track. “When Pecco is at his best, he’s untouchable. He dominates in a way that few can. But when those doubts, or that mental fatigue, seep in, it affects everything.”
As a team, Ducati has rallied around their star rider. Tardozzi emphasized that Ducati, as a family, is doing everything possible to support Bagnaia through this challenging phase. “We stand behind him 100 percent. We understand that this is not just about racing. It’s about the mental fortitude required to stay at the top,” he said. The team’s dedication to their rider is clear; they are not simply focused on Bagnaia delivering wins but on ensuring his well-being and longevity in the sport.
Tardozzi’s comments suggest that Ducati sees Bagnaia’s current state as part of a broader evolution as both a racer and an individual. They recognize that the psychological element is just as critical as the physical demands of MotoGP. “Pecco is not a machine. He’s a person who feels, who struggles, who faces challenges like everyone else. The important thing is that he’s facing them head-on,” Tardozzi explained.
What is particularly striking about Tardozzi’s reflections is his insistence on shedding light on the often unseen side of racing. MotoGP riders are frequently viewed as superhuman, capable of withstanding unimaginable speeds and pressures, both physically and mentally. But Tardozzi reminds fans and analysts alike that these athletes are still human.
“People see the victories, the podiums, the celebrations. But they don’t see the sleepless nights, the mental strain, the fear of failure that even a world champion has to confront,” Tardozzi said. “Pecco’s success on the track does not erase the mental battles he faces. In fact, sometimes it magnifies them.”
Bagnaia’s ability to continue winning races despite this internal conflict is a testament to his strength and determination. But Tardozzi warns that success should not mask the reality of what riders endure, especially when the pressure to remain at the top becomes overwhelming.
As the 2024 season progresses, Bagnaia’s form will undoubtedly continue to be a central storyline. While his eight victories highlight his undeniable talent, Tardozzi’s remarks suggest that the true test for Bagnaia will not simply be securing more wins but finding a way to heal the “open wound” that Tardozzi so poignantly describes.
“The goal isn’t just to win races; it’s to win in life, to find that balance where Pecco can enjoy his success without being weighed down by it,” Tardozzi concluded. Ducati’s focus is on the long-term, recognizing that Bagnaia’s health—both mental and physical—is paramount to ensuring his continued dominance in MotoGP.
For now, Francesco Bagnaia remains one of the sport’s brightest stars, with the potential to add even more victories to his already impressive record. But as Davide Tardozzi’s thoughtful comments remind us, even the most successful athletes are not immune to the complexities of life and the weight of expectation. Bagnaia’s journey, much like his season, is about more than just race wins—it’s about navigating the human side of competition, where triumph and struggle often go hand in hand.
