MotoGP – Francesco Bagnaia recommended by Valentino Rossi for Factory Ducati ride

Valentino Rossi has confirmed he would like to see VR46 Academy rider Francesco Bagnaia in the factory Ducati team for 2021.

Francesco Bagnaia and Johann Zarco were both confirmed to remain at Ducati for 2021 with all but their teams confirmed, since then Ducati have confirmed that Jack Miller’s 2021 teammate will be confirmed before Misano.

Francesco Bagnaia has been part of Rossi’s VR46 Academy since it was created, riding for the Sky VR46 Moto3 team when it was founded in 2014, since then he returned to the team in 2017 before winning the Moto2 title with them in 2018. It is safe to say that the Academy and Bagnaia have benefitted each other greatly with Bagnaia held in high regard with boss Valentino Rossi.

When approached by the media regarding Bagnaia, Rossi commented, “I think Pramac are really close to Ducati, butI really hope for Pecco that his future is in the works [factory] team, I would recommend him to go to the works team. In Pramac [Team] they are certainly all very good, but the factory one has something on paper more. I hope to see him dressed in red next year because it would be a really great opportunity for him.”

Ducati also have shown interest in Rossi’s half brother, Moto2 title leader Luca Marini, Rossi offered some wise words to his brother regarding Ducati’s interest, “We are naturally honoured to know that Ducati is interested in Luca, but I think it is more important this year he focus on this season, because he has the chance to win the world championship and this doesn’t happen many times. I would focus more on this year, then if Luca manages to get to MotoGP with Ducati, of course we would all be delighted.” Finished the nine-time champion.

If Marini was to sign for Ducati, we would have our third set of brothers on the grid with Marini/Rossi joining the Marquez and Espargaro brothers in MotoGP.

Featured image – www.motogp.com

Source – motorsport.com