Pecco Bagnaia was the first VR46 Academy rider to become MotoGP champion after an unblemished second half of 2022. The Ducati athlete has already publicly thanked Valentino Rossi several times for welcoming him into his 'family', and now he returns to talking about his mentor.
'In this sport we have seen many different types of champions. Valentino Rossi, for example, has gone through several changes in his career and has always remained a winner. I consider him a leader. It fills me with pride to think that I am his friend, and I use the experience to improve. I always found his riding style fascinating' , Bagnaia told La Stampa.
The Ducati italian has shared the track with his mentor since 2019, the year he reached the premier class. Rossi would later retire in late 2021.