Francesco Bagnaia secured pole position for the MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, unveiling a special tribute helmet in support of an Italian autism charity. Continuing the tradition for Italian riders at Misano, Bagnaia revealed a unique helmet design featuring illustrations of tortellini. According to Ducati, this design honors Tortellante, a non-profit organization that supports young people with autism.

Founded in 2016, Tortellante offers classes where individuals with autism can learn to make pasta by hand. The initiative aims to provide therapeutic activities for those diagnosed with autism, while also preparing them for adult life and supporting their families. The project seeks to raise awareness about autism and foster community inclusion.

Additionally, Bagnaia is honoring the late Luca Salvadori, who tragically passed away in a road racing accident in Germany last weekend, with a tribute on his bike. The reigning champion topped Friday practice at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and carried that momentum into Saturday’s qualifying session.

Sadly, that momentum didn’t continue on Sunday. Bagnaia had a good start and, for a while, even led the race before being overtaken by Martin on lap 4. Shortly after, his teammate Enea Bastianini passed him as well. In the end, Bagnaia crashed out on lap 21.