Little-known secrets of the relationship between Pecco Bagnaia and Valentino Rossi.

Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia and Valentino Rossi share a unique relationship that extends far beyond a typical mentor-protégé dynamic. While many MotoGP fans recognize Rossi’s role in Bagnaia’s career through the VR46 Riders Academy, few truly understand the depth of their bond, the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped Bagnaia into a world champion, and the personal connection they share off the track.

In this article, we explore the lesser-known aspects of their relationship, from the early days of Bagnaia’s career to his rise as Ducati’s leading rider. What was Rossi’s secret advice to Bagnaia? How did their private training sessions at the ranch help Pecco develop his skills? And does Bagnaia see himself as Rossi’s true successor? Let’s dive into the hidden stories that define one of MotoGP’s most fascinating partnerships.

The Early Connection: How Bagnaia Became Part of Rossi’s Inner Circle

Pecco Bagnaia, born in 1997, grew up idolizing Valentino Rossi, just like many aspiring Italian riders of his generation. By the time Bagnaia started karting and minibike racing, Rossi had already established himself as a MotoGP legend, dominating the sport with his signature flamboyance and incredible racecraft.

Bagnaia’s first real connection with Rossi came when he joined the VR46 Riders Academy in 2014. At the time, the academy was still in its early days, but Rossi had already envisioned it as a platform to nurture young Italian riders and revive Italian dominance in MotoGP. Bagnaia was one of the earliest recruits, and it didn’t take long for Rossi to recognize his potential.

Few people know that Bagnaia wasn’t an immediate standout in the academy. Initially, he struggled with inconsistency and lacked the aggressive confidence seen in riders like Franco Morbidelli and Luca Marini. However, Rossi saw something in Pecco—a calm, intelligent approach to racing that reminded him of his own prime years.

Training at the Ranch: The Secret Sessions That Transformed Bagnaia

One of the biggest advantages of being in Rossi’s inner circle is access to the VR46 Ranch in Tavullia—a private training facility where riders develop their bike control and racecraft in ways that traditional MotoGP practice doesn’t allow.

Many fans know that Bagnaia trained at the ranch, but few understand the intensity of these sessions. Rossi personally designed a flat track training regimen that forced riders to push beyond their limits, refining their ability to control slides, adapt to unpredictable track conditions, and develop the mental resilience needed in MotoGP.

According to insiders, Bagnaia’s breakthrough moment came in a late-night training session at the ranch in 2017. After a frustrating day where he struggled to keep up with the more experienced academy riders, Rossi took him aside and gave him a private lesson on handling high-pressure situations. The session lasted hours, with Rossi repeatedly challenging Bagnaia in head-to-head duels on the dirt track. By the end of the night, something had changed in Pecco—his confidence had grown, and his riding style had become more precise and aggressive.

That session became a turning point, and it wasn’t long before Bagnaia started translating these lessons into real-world performance. In 2018, he dominated the Moto2 championship, securing his first world title and proving that he was ready for MotoGP.

The Psychological Edge: Rossi’s Advice on Handling Pressure

One of the biggest secrets behind Rossi’s success in MotoGP was his ability to manage pressure, whether it was handling championship fights, dealing with rivals, or bouncing back from setbacks. This was something he actively passed on to Bagnaia.

While Pecco has a very different personality from Rossi—he’s quieter and more reserved—he has adopted many of Rossi’s mental strategies to stay focused under pressure. According to sources close to the VR46 Academy, Rossi gave Bagnaia three key pieces of advice:

1. “Never let the pressure take away the fun.” Rossi always believed that enjoying the race, even in high-pressure situations, was the key to success. He reminded Bagnaia that if he stopped having fun, he would lose his natural rhythm.

2. “Study your rivals, but don’t let them dictate your race.” One of Rossi’s greatest strengths was his ability to read his competitors and plan his overtakes strategically. He taught Bagnaia to stay patient and wait for the right moment rather than making desperate moves.

3. “Winning isn’t about being the fastest all the time—it’s about being the smartest.” Rossi knew that championships are won with consistency, not just speed. He advised Bagnaia to focus on the long game, securing points rather than taking unnecessary risks.

Bagnaia’s ability to stay composed in championship battles, particularly in 2022 and 2023, is a direct reflection of Rossi’s influence.

Ducati: Completing Rossi’s Dream Through Bagnaia

One of the most fascinating aspects of Rossi and Bagnaia’s relationship is their shared history with Ducati. Rossi’s time with the Italian manufacturer from 2011 to 2012 was one of the biggest challenges of his career. He struggled with the bike’s unpredictable handling and ultimately left Ducati without a title, marking one of the few disappointments in his legendary career.

When Bagnaia joined Ducati in 2019, Rossi quietly encouraged him to believe in the team’s long-term potential. Bagnaia later admitted that he often sought advice from Rossi about handling the pressure of riding for an Italian manufacturer with sky-high expectations.

When Pecco won the 2022 MotoGP World Championship with Ducati, he became the first Italian to do so since Rossi in 2009. In many ways, this was a full-circle moment—Rossi’s dream of seeing an Italian champion on a Ducati had finally been fulfilled through his protégé.

Even after retirement, Rossi continues to support Bagnaia’s Ducati journey. He regularly attends races, providing moral support and private guidance when needed.

Does Bagnaia see himself as Rossi’s true successor?

Despite their strong bond, Bagnaia has always been clear about one thing: he doesn’t want to be “the next Rossi.” Instead, he wants to carve out his own legacy in MotoGP.

That being said, the similarities between their careers are undeniable. Like Rossi, Bagnaia has become a fan favorite, especially in Italy. His riding style, while different from Rossi’s flamboyant approach, is based on the same core principles of intelligence, adaptability, and racecraft.

Another major parallel is Bagnaia’s leadership role in Italian motorcycling. Just as Rossi mentored a new generation of Italian riders, Bagnaia has become a role model for young riders in the VR46 Academy. There is speculation that, in the future, Bagnaia could take on a more active role in mentoring the next generation, continuing Rossi’s legacy in a new way.

What’s Next for Their Relationship?

As Bagnaia continues to build his MotoGP career, his connection with Rossi remains strong. While Rossi has shifted his focus to his VR46 Racing Team and car racing, he still follows Bagnaia’s progress closely and offers advice when needed.

Many MotoGP insiders believe that if Bagnaia wins multiple championships, he could become a true Italian racing icon, further cementing the legacy that Rossi started. Whether that means working together in a more official capacity in the future—perhaps as a team principal or a mentor within the VR46 structure—remains to be seen.

For now, Bagnaia is focused on defending his title and achieving even greater success. But one thing is certain—his journey will always be intertwined with Valentino Rossi’s influence.

Conclusion

The relationship between Pecco Bagnaia and Valentino Rossi is one of MotoGP’s most intriguing stories. While Rossi played the role of mentor, his influence on Bagnaia went beyond simple guidance. Through secret training sessions, psychological coaching, and shared dreams, Rossi helped shape Bagnaia into a world champion.

As Bagnaia continues to dominate MotoGP, he carries with him not only his own ambitions but also a legacy built with the wisdom of one of the greatest riders of all time. Whether or not he becomes Rossi’s true successor, one thing is clear: the doctor’s lessons will always be a part of his journey.