Biaggi, Rossi, Bagnaia & Co: Italy’s motorcycling heroes were honoured in Rome

The German Grand Prix, held at the Sachsenring last weekend, marked the final MotoGP event before the summer break. Afterwards, the motorcycling stars set off on their well-deserved holidays.

New father Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati), who wants to spend as much time as possible with his son Oliviero and wife Domizia during the break of just under four weeks before the British Grand Prix in early August, still had an important engagement to attend on Tuesday. He was honoured alongside other leading figures from Italian motorcycling.

Pecco Bagnaia und der italienische Außenminister, Antonio Tajani

Foto: motogp.com

As part of the event entitled “MOTO D’ITALIA – CULTURE BEYOND THE TRACK”, Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, Valentino Rossi, Giacomo Agostini and Max Biaggi were appointed “Ambassadors of Sports Diplomacy” on 14 July. To mark the occasion, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited stars from across Italy’s motorcycling scene to Rome.

Pecco Bagnaia: “It fills me with great pride!”

“Sport is a universal language that can bring people and cultures together through values such as respect, passion and commitment – and that is exactly what I want to convey every day,” said Bagnaia during the event. “Receiving this honour as an Ambassador of Sports Diplomacy from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Antonio Tajani, fills me with great pride.”

Mauro Grassilli, Claudio Domenicali und Antonio Tajani (v.l.)

Foto: motogp.com

Nine-time world champion Rossi and Bezzecchi, who is currently recovering from a broken collarbone, joined the event via video conference. Also present in Rome were Aprilia racing director Massimo Rivola, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, Ducati sporting director Mauro Grassilli, FMI President Giovanni Copioli and MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

The gathering of the Italian motorcycling world celebrated the sport and the entire industry. The off-road sector was also represented. Kiara Fontanesi, the most successful woman in motocross, was also honoured.

Massimo Rivola und Antonio Tajani

Foto: motogp.com