Francesco Bagnaia and his Ducati team celebrated their MotoGP world championship triumph with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Wednesday.
25-year-old Bagnaia sealed victory in the rider’s championship in the season-ending race in Valencia this month, making him the first Italian to claim the MotoGP title since Valentino Rossi won the last of his seven premium-class crowns 13 years ago.
It was Ducati’s first title since the team triumphed with Australian Casey Stoner 15 years ago, and is the first time an Italian rider has won the championship on an Italian bike since Giacomo Agostini with Mv Agusta half a century ago.
“I thank the President. It is a real personal and professional honor (to be here),” said Bagnaia.
“The riders’ title makes us proud, and winning it as an Italian and with an Italian bike makes us even more proud. It is the result of a lot of work.
“In Valencia I fulfilled my dream, proudly carrying the Italian flag. We (the riders) are on the track, but the important results are obtained with the team.”
Mattarella commented on how the enthusiasm generated by the victory has been important for the whole country.
“I think Valentino Rossi is happy that his success story has continued,” he said.
“Congratulations to Bagnaia and to everyone. Ducati is an extraordinary team.
“It is important to have an Italian champion on an Italian bike after 50 years. Congratulations and thank you for what you represent for the image of our country.”
