PETALING JAYA, Oct 19 — MotoGP riders’ championship leader Francesco Bagnaia has not ruled out the possibility of contacting nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi ahead of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (GP) 2022 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from October 21-23.

The Lenovo Ducati Team rider who has the chance to secure his first MotoGP world title this weekend, said he was certainly thinking about it in preparation for his second MotoGP race at Sepang after the 2019 season.

"I will do it (calling Rossi) and if he has some advice to give me I will try to do it,” he told local reporters when met at MotoGP Riders Meet and Greet and New Helmets unveiling at MKA Group Headquarters in Puchong here, today.

Bagnaia, who is better known by the nickname "Pecco”, can be crowned world champion at the Malaysian GP, thus following the success of Rossi who retired last season, if he manages to leave with a lead of at least 25 points.

Ahead of the race in Sepang, the 25-year-old Italian now has 233 points followed by closest challenger Fabio Quartararo of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP in second position with 219 points while Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) is third with 206 points.

"It (title race) will not be easy because Fabio is always so competitive, it is always important to be smart and understand the situation. We will try our best,” said Bagnaia while hoping to race in dry conditions in Sepang.

For the record, Bagnaia finished the race in 12th place at the 2019 Malaysian GP, a year after clinching the 2018 Moto2 championship in which he finished third in Sepang.

"In 2019 it was a bit difficult and (I’m) not in the best situation and now it’s changed. It’s (Sepang) one of my favourite tracks so (it) can be good,” he said.

At the same event, KYT Malaysia unveiled their new products range for 2023 consisting of three helmets soon to be released in the Malaysian market, namely R2R, Ballistic and Rock. — Bernama