Bagnaia knows what he wants from the 2023 MotoGP championship and aims to do something that only Rossi and Marquez have succeeded so far. All on the hunt for Francesco Bagnaia’s number 1 in the 2023 MotoGP championship which starts this weekend in Portimao. He starts as the favourite, which is obvious also by virtue of what we saw in the tests, but he doesn’t get too big and doesn’t underestimate any rival. He certainly approaches the new season with greater awareness and confidence than a year ago, but at the same time with the humility of one who knows that nothing will be given to him. The fact that he is the man to beat is an incentive and he will do everything to confirm himself as world champion. MotoGP, Bagnaia excited for Portimao and 2023 Bagnaia at the press conference said he was very excited for this start to the championship: “I’m happy to start over. We were in trouble last year, but we learned from our mistakes and this year the tests went very well. The new bike fits my riding style better, is more stable and gives me more cornering speed. I’m in a better position than the others, but I think Quartararo’s Yamaha and Marquez’s Honda will be ahead, as will Bastianini.” The Ducati rider knows he has many rivals who want to beat him, but he is ready to accept everyone’s challenge: “Everyone will want to steal my number 1, but if we work in the right way I am convinced that we can defend the title, even if it won’t be simple”. Pecco wants to “imitate” Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez In the MotoGP era, only two have managed to win at least two consecutive titles, Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. Bagnaia hopes to be included in the list: “Rossi and Marquez have won many titles by repeating themselves, you have to work like them to be able to repeat themselves”. If winning a title in the top class is already very complicated, winning it again is even more so. Certainly Pecco has the talent and the bike to aspire to an encore. Despite the 2022 triumph, there is still room for growth and we should see him more mature and ready in the new championship. Photo: Ducati Corse
