With just two weeks left before the start of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship on March 6 in Qatar, Pecco Bagnaia has signed a two-year extension deal with Ducati. The pilot from Turin will thus be defending the colours of the team from Borgo Panigale until the end of the 2024 season. This deal, which was announced today by the Italian squad, ratifies the brand’s medium-term commitment with the current MotoGP world runner-up.
By getting the deal done and dusted before the kickoff, Pecco Bagnaia can now fully focus on winning the title, in the knowledge that he doesn’t need to worry about the future. The #63 is actually everyone’s favourite to win his first MotoGP crown this year, his fourth MotoGP season. After reaping four victories, nine podiums and six pole positions in 2021, there is little doubt he is more than ready to fight for the crown.
The Italian made his debut with Ducati’s satellite team Pramac Racing in 2019. After two brilliant seasons there, he made the leap to the official team. He soon became Ducati’s best hope to conquer the elusive title, which has not gone to the Bolognese manufacturer since 2007 with Casey Stoner.
Thanks to the good relationship between both parties the terms of the contract have been outlined for several weeks. Obviously, the formation led by Gigi Dall’Igna wanted Pecco to concentrate on the Mandalika tests in Indonesia so that he could bring the Desmosedici GP22 to its full potential.
Pecco Bagnaia & Ducati very happy
Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia said: “Being a Ducati rider in MotoGP has always been my dream, and knowing that I can continue with the Ducati Lenovo Team for another two seasons makes me happy and proud. I have found a serene environment in the factory team: I feel very much in tune with my team and know that we can do great things together. Now I can only concentrate on doing well in this Championship. A big thank you to Claudio, Gigi, Paolo, Davide and all the Ducati Corse staff. I’ll try to repay their trust with my results on the track!”
Luigi Dall’Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse, commented: “We are delighted to have Bagnaia with us for another two seasons. Since he arrived at Ducati in 2019, Pecco has shown great talent and the ability to interpret our Desmosedici GP very well, adapting to ride it in any condition. He did it, especially in the last season, during which he had significant growth and got to play for the World Title”. “
The way he managed the races at (Aragon, San Marino, Algarve & Valencia), scoring four fantastic victories, is proof of his maturity as a rider. With these great qualities, we are sure that he has the potential to aim for the title with us”.
Jack Miller’s future with Ducati up in the air
Pecco Bagnaia’s teammate Jack Miller, on the other hand, finds himself in the completely opposite situation. The Australian now has to convince his bosses that he is worthy of his position before the end of the first half of the 2022 season.
It won’t be easy. His inconsistencies during his first year with Ducati, together with the enormous pressure exerted by some young new talents (Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini) aspiring to rob him of his position, will play against him. The 27-year-old Australian’s aptitude, however, is indisputable… if he manages to focus.
Images of Pecco Bagnaia: Ducati Corse.
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