For the first time in MotoGP’s history, a rider and manufacturer from the same nation wins the title. Francesco Bagnaia, who hails from Turin, Italy, only needed a 9th place at the last race of the 2022 season to secure the rider’s title. For Ducati, this championship from Bagnaia has ended a 15-year championship drought. The last championship Ducati had was with Australian rider Casey Stoner back in 2007.
“This is a fantastic day for all of Ducati! Ducati Corse has worked steadfastly and resolutely to achieve this second MotoGP Riders' Title that makes our hearts burst with joy today. Racing is so tied to the passion of Ducatisti and my path in Ducati is also so tied to racing that I am really extremely happy today,” said Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali.
After finding himself sixth in the standings at the end of the German GP, Bagnaia managed to close a gap of 91 points on Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo over eight Grand Prix and took the lead in the Championship with 14 points over the Frenchman in the Australian GP, at Phillip Island, with two races to go.
After increasing his lead to 23 points thanks to a stunning victory at Sepang in Malaysia, Bagnaia needed only a ninth place in Valencia to secure Ducati's second Riders' World Title in the premier class.
Ducati also won this year’s MotoGP Constructor’s Title, as well as the Team Title. The last time an Italian rider on an Italian bike won a premier class title was in 1972 or 50 years ago (pre-MotoGP) when Giacomo Agostini onboard his MV Agusta took the 500cc championship trophy.
