By APS Staff
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) is the new world champion of the Premier Class. Coming in 9th overall in the Valencian Finale, “Pecco” Bagnaia earned enough points to claim victory against his closest contender, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) who earned 4th place at Valencia.
While two dozen racers competed in this weekend’s activities, none were more watched and more scrutinized than Bagnaia and Quartararo when a series of mishaps in the late season races took top contender Quartararo out of the lead standings and allowed Bagnaia to rise up to ultimately overtake the one-time World Champion and title-holding Frenchman.
This win marks Ducati’s first Championship victory in a decade and a half and a well-earned victory for Pecco in surpassing MotoGP’s rising star in what has been described as the biggest comeback in Premier Class history, and solidifying him as a world class racer.
“World champion: it sounds good,” said Pecco amid the bustle of the Winner’s Circle. “It was the hardest race of my life.”
Italian racer Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia is a graduate of Rossi’s own VR46 Riders Academy.
As the celebration commenced, Quartararo was among the very first to congratulate Pecco on his victory as the Italian had done for him at the 2021 Emilla Romagna GP.
“I have no regrets because I gave 100 percent today, and when you lose a title like that you have to see the positives,” said Quartararo, stating he will come back “even more determined” for the 2023 season.
Congratulations to the World Champion of MotoGP, Pecco Bagnaia!
Cover photo: Pecco Bagnaia takes his victory lap around the Valencian circuit as the 2022 Premier Class World Champion | Via: MotoGP.com
By Adrenaline Powersports Magazine Staff
Adrenaline Powersports Magazine 
[…] 2022, Bagnaia broke a 15 year wall of Japanese superbike wins in the Premiere circuit with Ducati when he outmatched Quartararo, whether by skill or the sheer […]
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