Casey Stoner: Pecco Bagnaia’s World Title Is Much Harder To Win Than The 2007 Title

As the MotoGP world celebrated Francesco Bagnaia’s championship victory, former champion Casey Stoner offered his unique insights into Bagnaia’s triumph and the challenges he faced on his path to glory. Stoner, who secured Ducati’s first MotoGP title in 2007, shared his thoughts on why he believes Bagnaia’s achievement is even more remarkable.

The Very Differences

Stoner acknowledged the stark differences between his championship-winning year in 2007 and Bagnaia’s recent victory. He highlighted how the face of the championship has transformed over the years, noting the increased competitiveness among the approximately twenty riders on the grid. Stoner pointed out that Bagnaia’s championship journey was in a league of its own due to the formidable competition he faced.

Admiration For Bagnaia

The Australian rider recognised that Bagnaia’s championship victory wasn’t solely the result of Ducati’s efforts. Stoner mentioned that the way Ducati handles things might not always be the best, implying that Bagnaia’s success was a result of his exceptional riding abilities rather than just team management. Stoner credited both Bagnaia and fellow rider Jack Miller for their remarkable riding skills, emphasising their role in giving themselves a chance at the championship.

Comparison With His Championship Win

Stoner reflected on his own championship-winning year, admitting that his title victory was somewhat unexpected. He described how everything seemed to align in his favour during the 2007 season. In contrast, he noted that Bagnaia’s journey to the championship was marked by intense competition and high pressure. Stoner’s observations highlighted the challenges Bagnaia overcame to secure his title, which he believed made the achievement even more remarkable.

One of the aspects that Stoner admired about Bagnaia’s approach was his ability to ride with a natural and instinctive style. Without the added pressure of chasing a championship, Bagnaia was able to perform more naturally, as Stoner explained. This allowed Bagnaia to focus on winning races rather than fixating on the championship trophy, ultimately leading to his victory.

Deep Admiration

Stoner’s reflections offered a deep appreciation for Bagnaia’s championship win and the circumstances that surrounded it. He recognised the evolution of the MotoGP championship, the challenges Bagnaia faced, and the character traits that contributed to his success. Stoner’s perspective shed light on the mental and competitive aspects that made Bagnaia’s title win a remarkable achievement, marking a new chapter in Ducati’s MotoGP history.