Marco Bezzecchi
Luigi Dall’Igna has labelled Francesco Bagnaia as a ‘rediscovered champion’ after a ‘masterstroke’ at the Italian Grand Prix.
Bagnaia, 29, secured back-to-back podium finishes for the first time this season after coming home third at Mugello.
Marco Bezzecchi won the Italian Grand Prix ahead of teammate Jorge Martin, extending his lead at the top of the standings to 17 points.
Although Aprilia dominated, Bagnaia’s performance was impressive, and he is now five points behind Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez in the world championship.
Speaking after the race, Bagnaia made a ‘promise’ to fight for victories in the near future.
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Luigi Dall’Igna calls Francesco Bagnaia a ‘rediscovered champion’ after Mugello ‘masterstroke’
Taking to LinkedIn, Ducati team boss Dall’Igna praised both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez for their performances at Mugello.
Touching on Bagnaia’s podium finish, Dall’Igna labelled the 29-year-old as a ‘rediscovered champion’.
Dall’Igna also stated that Bagnaia delivered a ‘masterstroke’ to ensure he stayed ahead of Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura to secure a place on the podium.
Dall’Igna wrote: “Pecco and Marc commendably gave everything they had, each according to their own condition, both as the true champions they are.
“For Bagnaia, this is the second consecutive podium obtained with a ‘braveheart’ sort of race, fought to the hilt with the final master-stroke that deservedly secured him third place.
“A rediscovered champion today, delivering a strong and meaningful sign of pride.
“His was an excellent start off the grid as an absolute protagonist: it shot him in the lead after just a few laps; an aggressive and fast-paced ride to stay ahead and try to build a gap like in former days, in the fashion he has amply proven over time.
“He held on for as long as he could, before giving way to his opponents, defending tooth and nail a third place that is nonetheless important, after a solid and convincing performance that boosts his confidence.”
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Moving onto Marquez, who was making his return from injury, Dall’Igna said the Spaniard was ‘fighting like a lion’.
The Italian added: “After the fifth position attained on Saturday, a still strongly weakened physical condition did not prevent him from fighting like a lion.
“Responding blow by blow to insidious opponents until he had to deal with an obvious and more than understandable physical decline in the final laps.
“Congratulations, Marc, for what you always give and for the Champion you are.”
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