Valentino Rossi, the legendary MotoGP rider, has sparked a heated debate by criticizing Ducati's commitment to supporting Francesco Bagnaia, his former protégé. Rossi believes that despite Bagnaia's best efforts, Ducati is not putting in the same level of effort to help him regain his former glory. This comes as a surprise, given Bagnaia's status as Ducati's most successful rider in MotoGP, having won two titles and scored 31 grands prix aboard the Desmosedici.
In a recent interview with Sky Italia, Rossi expressed his concerns, stating, 'I would like to see Ducati commit themselves just as much as Pecco does in the effort to get back to the front.' He further elaborated on Bagnaia's dedication, saying, 'He genuinely wants to get back to winning with Ducati, and that is the right mindset.' However, Rossi's criticism extends beyond Bagnaia's performance, as he believes Ducati's lack of support is hindering their progress.
Bagnaia, however, has distanced himself from Rossi's comments, insisting that Ducati is just as committed as he is to finding a solution for his struggles. He stated, 'What Vale said is just assumption. He sees what I do at home, but he doesn't see what they’re doing at Ducati.' Bagnaia acknowledges the challenges they face, including the lack of a basic set-up for the bike, but remains confident in Ducati's support.
The tension between Rossi and Bagnaia highlights the complex dynamics within the MotoGP world. While Bagnaia continues to struggle, Rossi's criticism raises questions about the relationship between riders and their teams. It remains to be seen whether Ducati will take Rossi's advice to heart and increase their support for Bagnaia, or if this will further strain their relationship.
