- Joined
- Mar 11, 2007
- Messages
- 8,009
- Location
- Texas
Pecco is the weakest two-time champion in MotoGP history.
He was fully empowered by riding the best bike on the grid, and not by technical ability. Sure, he's a good guy, a good rider. But he's not an extraordinary talent.
He had the peace of mind of working with the support of Valentino Rossi at his base, and of being born in the same country as Ducati. He didn't demonstrate anything that would make him a Factory rider. Not even victories in satellite teams (like Enea had before being hired, for example).
And his track record in titles is poor, considering that he had BY FAR the best bike with opponents with inferior equipment:
2021 - Lost to Quartararo (2 rounds to go) with a Yamaha already sinking and Ducati having been the best bike on the grid for years.
2022 - Beat Quartararo in the last stage. With an even bigger equipment gap than last year.
2023 - Beat Martin in the last round. Having been a factory rider for 3 years versus a satellite team (which we know is slightly inferior).
2024 - Another battle in the last round against a satellite team, this time he lost. Martin showing a much more iconic and aggressive riding style.
Again: Pecco is a good rider. But not an extra class.
In the current season, I would put him behind MM, Acosta, Fabio and Martin. These, with equal equipment conditions, would easily beat the Italian.
His titles started as soon as ride height became the law of the land. He was the first to adapt to Ducati's strategies. He also managed to defend in 2023, despite the introduction of sprint races, which didn't suit his style. Martin eventually capitalized on his superior sprint performances in 2024.
Ride height and sprints are old hat now. The teams know how to adjust the bikes to situations and riding styles. Ducati dismantled their rider empire to get Marc, and they have obviously taken a step in his direction, and Alex is the indirect beneficiary.
Pecco is like Prost, only he is less outspoken to the press. We'll have to see where he stands at the end.