Ducati Wants Bagnaia to Use Number 1 in MotoGP 2023, but…

Ducati racer Francis Bagnaia Haven’t specified the motor number yet MotoGP 2023. However, Ducati hopes that Bagnaia will choose number 1.

The Italian racer is faced with the choice of continuing to wear number 63 or number 1 for the next season. Motor number 1 itself indicates that the racer is the defending champion.

However, MotoGP champion riders such as Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo chose to be loyal to their respective numbers after becoming world champions. Meanwhile, Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo used number 1 after becoming champions.

MotoGP 2023 will start with official test sessions at Sepang and Portimao in February and March before opening with the first round in Portugal on March 27. Ducati left the decision completely up to Bagnaia.

“It was a fantastic year for Ducati, not only from a sporting point of view but for a company with higher sales than ever before,” said Ducati director Paolo Ciabatti. Speedweek. “Number 1 is definitely important because it sends a clear signal. Number 1 belongs to the world champion.”

“From the company’s point of view, it would be good if our drivers chose to wear the number 1. On the other hand, we also understand that there is a bit of superstition involved and the fact that drivers are building their image and trading their numbers.”

“As Pecco has said, I think the number 1 attracted him because it is such a strong statement for the driver and the manufacturer. But apart from that it is also a difficult decision to leave the number that brings you joy.”

“He has changed his number several times from 21 to 42 and then 63. He won the Moto2 title with number 42, then won MotoGP this year with number 63. Maybe that will help him make a decision a little,” said Ciabatti, smiling.

(rin/krs)