In 2024 he failed to beat Jorge Martin and retain his status as reigning world champion. But Pecco Bagnaia still managed to succeded to some extent this year.
After meeting with the Pope and the President of the Italian Republic , the rider from Chivasso won the "Torinese of the Year" award, an achievement that, as he admitted during Andrea Migno Mig Babol's YouTube podcast, made him particularly proud.
"This is an award that's given to entrepreneurs or those who have been successful in their work. Gianni Agnelli was also awarded it in the past.
So, as a young man, getting it makes me proud. Turin is known for its soccer and industry, therefore, having someone who comes from another background is good.
By the way, I'm not the only rider in the area. There0s also Vietti," he stated.
For the occasion, the Piedmontese rider went back in time to when the top class was still a dream.
"At the end of 2013, in Brno, I had spoken with Uccio for the first time. Then, in Misano, it was my father's turn.
And, in Australia, my entery in the Academy became concrete. In 2016, when I was racing with Mahindra in the Moto3, thanks to two wins, six podiums, and a pole at Silverstone, I was granted a test with the MotoGP. I did nine laps with the Ducati.
I had a bet with the head of Aspar that, if I done well inat least two rounds, I'd try one of those bikes. It was possible in Valencia. I didn't reach the circuit record, but I did reach the top speed record."
On living together with fellow rider Lorenzo Baldassari in the house Stefania - Valentino Rossi's and Luca Marini'a mother - offered them in Pesaro in the very early years in the MotoGP, he said, "It became more complicated when we both got engaged but, as far as what was happening on the track, we never fought.
I don't hold grudges." And speaking of relationships, his sister Carola is a regular presence in the Ducati garage, something unusual in a paddock.
"It started in 2017. She had come to Argentina. I needed someone to assist me with contacts with Dainese, because I only wanted to focus on racing. I was convinced that having a loved one close by kept me safe from betrayal.
I got along very well and she now has everyone's contacts. We didn't have a wonderful relationship growing up, but it changed," he admitted, before revealing the reason for the words "Go Free" that are always on his helmet.
"I'm manical, but you have to let go sometimes," he explained. "Go Free is a bit like Hakuna Matata. It was first said to me in Japan in 2016, and I made it my own."
Freedom also comes with the knowledge that he's in tune with his work environment:
"Ducati was always my ideal bike. A dry clutch that you feel miles away and different from others. I really enjoy going to the company and the R&D department. It's a pride and a pleasure to be part of this brand."
Despite the championship he missed, the outcome was, all in all, positive. "It was an incredible season. Even though I won in Qatar, understanding teh GP24 wasn't immediate.
Only in Jerez did we understand its potential. In general, I always finished in the top three on Sunday, except when I'd fall and, in Austin, where I had finished fifth.
Without the Sprints, it would've been a Marquez 2019 year. Too bad we had to give up the title because of mistakes and bad luck. The team deserved it.
I fell several times this year, when I was slowing down, like in Barcelona. However, losing is useful, because it made me realize that we can't let our guard down. I always set out to win, but sometimes you can't," he said, reflecting.
The bar is always getting higher. "My next goal is to win three MotoGP World Championships. What will happen in 2025? Ducati will be the bike to beat, but they'll have one less factory bike.
I expect a lot of races with only me and Marquez solo, but Aprilia has a new duo, and KTM can count on Acosta and Binder. I wouldn't rule out Quartararo either, since Yamaha is improving," he predicted.
In conclusion, something to motivational addressed to all young people who want to pursue this career. "You always have to have fun and never think that it's a sacrifice. Also, don't give up. On the contrary, you have to always give it your all."
