'Can we beat these Spaniards?' Italian President asks Valentino Rossi at Winter Olympics
19:30, 11 Feb
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Andrew McLarneyMotoGP Reporter
Andrew McLarney is a MotoGP reporter for GPBlog. With four years experience as a professional writer across the sports and video game industries, his experience as a K1 Premier League competitor evolved into a fascination with all forms of combat sport and eventually motorsport — with MotoGP becoming his primary focus. On top of that he is also an avid follower of MXGP and AMA Supercross as well as F1 and GT racing.
Valentino Rossi has shared a conversation he had with Italian President Sergio Mattarella during their time at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in which he was asked about the state of current-day MotoGP.
The former face of MotoGP and considered by many to be the greatest rider of all time, Rossi was honoured during the opening ceremony with a cameo as a tram driver where he assisted Mattarella on his journey to commence the games.
In an interview with Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, Rossi revealed what the President asked him regarding the 2026 MotoGP season:
"He asked me how we’re doing in the MotoGP World Championship. How’s Bagnaia? I reassured him, telling him it’ll be tough, but Pecco seems motivated and ready to have a great season.
"And he said, ‘Well, so can we beat these Spaniards?’ Great."
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Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Bagnaia, who is likely the Italians' best hope at dethroning Marc Marquez for the MotoGP crown this year, suffered a torrid run of form throughout the 2025 season, amassing just two race victories and a total of six DNFs in the last seven races.
Elsewhere, Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi will be looking to mount a charge after he finished the season strongly. The Italian manufacturers recently rewarded 'Bez' with a multi-year contract extension in recognition of his solid performances.
Ducati boss insists 'the real Bagnaia is back' ahead of 2026 MotoGP season start
The two-time MotoGP world champion struggled to adapt to the arrival of Marc Marquez as his factory teammate and was all but destroyed in the overall standings by the season's end.
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Few riders will have been looking forward to the winter break more than Bagnaia, who was keen to reset his mentality ahead of a fresh start in 2026.
Following the recent Sepang test, Ducati boss Tardozzi reflected positively on Pecco's renewed mindset and seemed optimistic regarding the Italian's form during the sessions.
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