Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia finds himself in a reversed scenario this year compared to the 2022 MotoGP season. Entering the penultimate round, Bagnaia now chases Jorge Martín (Prima Pramac Ducati), who currently leads the standings. Although Bagnaia’s position is less favorable than last year, Ducati’s team manager, Davide Tardozzi, sees a more mature and confident rider, fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
Reflecting on the progress Bagnaia has made, Tardozzi acknowledged that while the Italian held a stronger lead in the previous season, his growth and determination have significantly evolved. Bagnaia’s ability to secure nine Sunday victories this season shows his consistent performance and potential to catch up, sitting just 17 points behind Martín. “Obviously, last year’s situation was much better, but I see him really confident, and having won nine Sunday races… I see him aware of his possibilities,” Tardozzi noted.
The Ducati manager emphasized that despite the slight point gap, Bagnaia is fully committed to finishing the season with strength and resolve. Tardozzi also acknowledged Martín’s impressive performance, crediting his rival’s skill and mindset for creating a thrilling championship showdown. “We’ll see how the last round will be, but whatever Dorna decides, for us, it’s fair,” Tardozzi said. “We’ll push hard to win both races, and I know Jorge will be doing the same. It’s going to be a very exciting season finale.”
Beyond Bagnaia’s physical skill, Tardozzi focused on his rider’s mental resilience, crediting recent seasons for teaching him invaluable lessons about handling high-stakes pressure. He recalled Bagnaia’s close 2021 season, where he narrowly lost the title to Fabio Quartararo. That experience, Tardozzi believes, taught Bagnaia how to manage critical moments and challenges that arise throughout a demanding season.
Tardozzi added, “What Pecco learned over the last couple of years, even when he lost the championship to Fabio in 2021, helped him build a more mature outlook. Despite some mistakes this season, which Jorge also experienced, Pecco has truly proven himself as a world champion by continuously fighting head-to-head with an incredible competitor like Martín.”
As the season races toward its conclusion, Tardozzi’s comments underline Ducati’s confidence in Bagnaia’s growth, skill, and mindset—qualities they believe could see him reclaim the MotoGP title. For fans, the final rounds promise a gripping battle between two of MotoGP’s most determined riders, with both Bagnaia and Martín pushing their limits in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
