The VR46 Riders Academy has been essential in the preparation of young Italian riders, taking care of various aspects of their careers in addition to providing extensive training and education. Francesco Bagnaia, who is already a two-time MotoGP champion, was one of the graduates of Valentino Rossi’s project, as are several others who are currently in the premier class.
When asked if it is also possible for Italian riders to succeed without going through the Academy, the Ducati rider began by saying: ‘I think that all Italian riders who are now in Moto2 or MotoGP have been with us in mini bikes. I remember [Nicolò] Bulega, Enea [Bastianini], [Fabio] DiGia, [Luca] Marini, we were all together in pocket bikes. And I believe it was a great period with many Italian riders growing and reaching a high level’.
That being said, Bagnaia believes that it is not necessary for an Italian rider to go through the Academy to reach high levels: ‘But I also think that it’s not just because we are in the Academy that we are at the top. I think that other situations can also achieve great results – like Enea’s. Nicolò was not in the Academy and in the last three years, I believe he has taken a big step forward in terms of his attitude’.
The two-time MotoGP world champion also said: ‘From my point of view, our work is fantastic. Thanks to the Academy, we have everything and don’t have to think about anything. They are doing a really good job: four championships and over 170 podiums, I believe. So we can be proud of the Academy. But other situations can also achieve good results, like those of Enea, Bulega, and DiGia’.
