Valencia finale: Ducati and Pecco Bagnaia had to make it work this season. Last season they had one hand on the title, but in the end they lost out. Pecco Bagnaia narrowly failed last year to make the Italian dream come true. This year got off to a bumpy start. It was not until race six of the season in Jerez that Pecco Bagnaia took his first win of the season. The turnaround announced itself slowly and picked up speed in the second half of the season. The Ducati factory rider turned a 91-point deficit into a 23-point lead ahead of the season finale in Valencia. With this lead, Francesco Bagnaia was considered the favorite in the title fight with Fabio Quartararo.
However, this role as favorite put some strain on the 25-year-old. The nervousness and pressure on his shoulders was enormous. Ducati has waited 15 years for another world title after the last one with Casey Stoner in 2007. It has taken 50 years for an Italian to win the world championship on an Italian bike. 50 years in which many have tried. Some were always close, like Andrea Dovizioso. Others came with great expectations and failed, like Valentino Rossi. Bagnaia has finally made it in the 2022 MotoGP season.
Pecco Bagnaia is a worthy world champion – no other rider won more races this season with seven victories. In addition, no one rode more leading kilometers (189 kilometers) than the Ducati factory rider. Not only did he win the title, but he also played a part in Ducati becoming Constructors’ and Team World Champion. Three titles in one season – the perfect Italian job.
Now it’s time to celebrate and set the right foundation for the 2023 season on Tuesday next week.
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