Francesco Bagnaia galvanized by the presence of Valentino Rossi in Austria

Francesco Bagnaia was undoubtedly the fittest man last weekend in Austria. Imperial, both during the Sprint and the main race, the reigning world champion scored a double. The second in a row on the Red Bull Ring in MotoGP.

After the event, however, the No. 1 revealed that the presence of one person in particular had worked in his favor throughout the weekend. It is about Valentino Rossi. The nine-time world champion has indeed been seen on numerous occasions around the track to encourage the drivers of the VR46 Academy.

While the latter takes his free time – when the GT World Challenge and WEC allow him – to attend as many races as possible, it seems that this galvanizes the drivers he advises.

“It's always important to have Vale with us, assures Bagnaia at a press conference. I talk to him a lot, even when he's not here. We send each other a lot of messages. I think he's very helpful because I need his perspective. When he's there it's even better. It's true that he needs to be more focused on his team, but we spoke on Saturday evening and Friday evening. I need his advice. »

Successful round for the VR46 Riders Academy

It is clear that all of the Doctor's protégés shone at Spielberg, and in various categories. In Moto2, Celestino Vietti took his first victory of the season. In MotoGP, in addition to Bagnaia's repeated successes, Marco Bezzecchi had his best weekend since the Spanish Grand Prix.

“Before the race, he simply told me that what I had done yesterday was already good and that I should try to repeat it, he continues. After the race he was very happy, especially because Celestino won his first Grand Prix of the season. He wasn't in a very good situation, so we're very happy for him.

I think Bezzecchi also had a good race. Frankie (Morbidelli) did not have the best race of his season, but he managed to come back strong (After his collision at the start with Marc Marquez. Editor's note). So I think it's a very good weekend for the academy." concludes Pecco Bagnaia.

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