Ducati selected Francesco Bagnaia as one of their riders for the 2021 MotoGP season based on a combination of factors, including his performance and potential as a rider. Here are some possible reasons why Ducati chose Bagnaia:
Performance in Moto2: Bagnaia had a successful season in Moto2, the intermediate category of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. In 2018, he won the Moto2 World Championship, showcasing his talent and skill on the track.
Ducati Academy: Bagnaia was part of the Ducati Academy, a rider development program established by Ducati to nurture young talent. Being a part of the academy meant that Bagnaia had already developed a relationship with Ducati and had demonstrated potential that aligned with Ducati's long-term goals.
Test Rider Experience: Before joining the MotoGP grid as a full-time rider, Bagnaia had experience as a Ducati test rider. This allowed him to familiarize himself with the Ducati Desmosedici GP bike and provide valuable feedback to the team, showcasing his technical understanding and ability to work with the manufacturer.
Consistency and Progression: Bagnaia had shown consistency and progression during his first MotoGP season in 2019 with the Pramac Racing Team, which is affiliated with Ducati. He demonstrated improvement throughout the year and achieved several notable results, including multiple top-ten finishes.
Potential and Future Prospects: Ducati likely saw potential in Bagnaia as a rider who could continue to develop and improve in the premier class. They may have considered him as a long-term investment, hoping that he would grow into a top-tier rider capable of contending for championships.
Ultimately, the decision to select Bagnaia as one of their riders for the 2021 season was based on a combination of his past performance, potential, relationship with the Ducati brand, and his ability to fit within Ducati's strategic plans for success in MotoGP.