Francesco Bagnaia and his Ducati team
celebrated their MotoGP world championship triumph with
President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on
Wednesday.
Bagnaia, 25, sealed victory in the rider's championship in the
season-ending race in Valencia this month, making him the first
Italian to claim the MotoGP title since Valentino Rossi won the
last of his seven premium-class crowns 13 years ago.
It was Ducati's first title since the team triumphed with
Australian Casey Stoner 15 years ago and is the first time an
Italian rider has won the championship on an Italian bike since
Giacomo Agostini with Mv Agusta half a century ago.
"I thank the President. It is a real personal and professional
honor (to be here)," said Bagnaia.
"The riders' title makes us proud and winning it as an Italian
and with an Italian bike makes us even more proud. It is the
result of a lot of work.
"In Valencia I fulfilled my dream, proudly carrying the Italian
flag. We (the riders) are on the track, but the important
results are obtained with the team".
Mattarella commented on how the enthusiasm generated by the
victory has been important for the whole country.
"I think Valentino Rossi is happy that his success story has
continued," he said. "Congratulations to Bagnaia and to
everyone. Ducati is an extraordinary team.
"It is important to have an Italian champion on an Italian bike
after 50 years. Congratulations and thank you for what you
represent for the image of our country".
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