“Seeing #1 on the bike is beautiful,” The Reigning World Champion is hungry for another title

Pecco Bagnaia becomes the first rider to use #1 in 10 years.

“Seeing #1 on the bike is beautiful,” The Reigning World Champion is hungry for another title

Francesco Bagnaia

Francesco Bagnaia won the 2022 MotoGP World Championship Title in spectacular fashion. He became the first pilot to win the Rider’s World Championship with Ducati Corse since Casey Stoner in 2007. Bagnaia has decided to use #1 for his title defense in 2023. Notably, the prestigious symbol will be seen on the MotoGP grid after an absence of 10 years.

The announcement regarding Bagnaia’s race number was made on Monday. Although fans on the internet were already privy to this information owing to Ducati’s leaked picture on social media which shows Bagnaia’s Desmosedici bike carrying the #1. The picture was soon removed from Ducati’s social channels and reserved for the formal announcement.

YouTube video

In a recent interview, the reigning World Champion gave fans insight on his hectic schedule since donning the World Championship Crown. “My winter break was shorter than usual because of all the commitments after winning the World Championship, but now I am charged up and eager to start the season. I have missed the Desmosedici GP and my team, and I can’t wait to get back on track,”

Related: Reigning MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia confirms he will use #1 for 2023

Francesco Bagnaia confirms choosing between #63 and #1 was difficult

Francesco Bagnaia Via MotorcycleSports.com
Francesco Bagnaia Via MotorcycleSports.com

The Spaniard also elaborated on his race number conundrum. “I could not decide whether to continue using the number 63 or switch to the number 1, and in the end, I decided on the latter. Seeing it on the bike is beautiful, and now my goal will be to do everything to keep it.” he said, expressing his hunger for a second consecutive World Title.

Bagnaia appears to be optimistic about his 2023 challenge and expects a tougher fight from his rivals. “It won’t be easy because I expect even tougher competition than last year, with many rivals ready to fight for the title: however, I am aware that I have the best bike and team to aim high again in 2023. Thanks again to all of Ducati and my team! I am ready to resume our adventure together.”

While fans are euphoric to witness #1 back on the grid, the symbol comes with it’s fair share of pressure and expectations. Bagnaia will be expected to deliver from the first lap. With a new teammate in Enea Bastianini, the Ducati Corse team is on track to becoming an unstoppable force. 2023 is set to be an enthralling season and fans cannot wait for it to get underway in a few months time.

In case you missed it: