Moto2: Exclusive interview with Francesco Bagnaia, “The VR46 is doing a great job”

Moto2 2017 Sky Racing Team VR46 – We exclusively interviewed Francesco Bagnaia, rider of Team Sky VR46 Moto2 and VR46 Riders Academy rider. With the rookie of the category, who is reaping very positive results, we talked about various topics, here's what "Pecco" told us, who will also be riding the Kalex of Team Sky VR46 next year.

This is the 13th race and what is the outcome so far

“I am very happy with the progress of the season and how we are working. I am very happy with the results. We took home all the races, except 2 zeros in Austin and a crash due to a contact in Mugello. We are getting closer and closer to the first group and faster and faster.”

Is there a result that exalted you or one that disappointed you?

“I was thrilled with third place at the Sachsenring, because I started from behind and then recovered, but Austin and Barcelona disappointed me because I struggled a lot. For the rest everything is very positive.”

There is Morbidelli, world championship leader and your training partner in the Academy, next year he will go to MotoGP. What do you think about this thing?

“I'm very happy for Franco, because last year he already showed that he was in contention for the championship. This year, when he is fighting for the championship and always in the top positions, I am really happy for him. The Academy's work is working very well with all of us. He will be the first of us to arrive in MotoGP and it's really nice."

You renewed with the Sky VR46 team, will the goal be the title next year?

“Next year the goal will be to stay ahead of all costs. Continue to grow and learn. Then if the title arrives, all the better."

Can you tell us how you joined the VR46 Academy and what it means to train with Rossi?

“I joined at the end of 2013, I was one of the first. It was really nice. I was coming from a difficult year where I had struggled a lot and it was a bit like a salvation. They took me, they took me to live there, they welcomed me into their gym, it was very positive for me and for my career.”

Valentino Rossi was injured on the eve of Misano doing enduro, were you there? Do you think this training is necessary?

“No, I wasn't there. I've never done it and since I'm not capable I won't even try. It's something you do to train and have fun and if you do it it's because it works.”

The objectives between now and the end of the season?

“Stay in the fight at the front, get even closer to the top positions. We are always in fifth or sixth position, we are just one small step away from fighting for the podium.”

You raced in Moto3 until last season, how do you see the championship this year?

“Mir is having a perfect season, he doesn't do anything wrong. Of the Italians: Fenati is doing an excellent job, as is Migno who is working very hard, and I hope they continue to move forward like this.”

In MotoGP who do you see as the favorite?

“Vale was having a great championship but unfortunately he won't race. Dovizioso is doing incredible with the Ducati which we all know is a difficult bike and he is doing really well. Marquez is also going strong, as is Pedrosa, but I'm sorry that after so many years we won't see Vale race a race. It will be strange not being able to go to him and chat."

You tested the Ducati last year, what did you feel?

“Yes, I tried it in Valencia and it was a fantastic feeling. I hope to get there as soon as possible.”