I was in a similar situation last year, and I felt like I needed to be calmer
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Ducati Lenovo racer Francesco Bagnaia wants to try to be calmer in order to face and block his closest competitor this season, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), to win the world title.
Bagnaia is now in second place in the standings with a margin of only 17 points.
“On the one hand, I have to be fast, but I also can’t make mistakes. “Right now, Jorge is in a better situation in terms of (fighting for the title), but I was in the same situation last year, and I felt I needed to be calmer,” said Bagnaia, quoted from the official MotoGP statement, Friday.
“Being competitive in that situation is difficult, but I think we just need to enjoy the situation and work as usual,” he added.
Also read: Martin is confident that he will be the key to the world title at the Malaysian GP
However, Bagnaia did not deny that pressure cannot be eliminated in a situation like this. Moreover, Bagnaia also has the opportunity to reduce the gap in points with Martin and win the world title for the third time.
“In terms of pressure, yes, the pressure is always there, but it feels good to be in a situation like this. “I’m happy to be in this situation,” said the racer who is familiarly called Pecco.
Meanwhile, Ducati Lenovo Team Manager Davide Tardozzi said the racer with motorbike number #1 still has the confidence to secure the title again.
“He is really confident. He is aware of the possibilities, and we will see what happens in the last lap,” said Tardozzi.
Also read: Complete 2024 Malaysia MotoGP schedule: Bagnaia’s opportunity to approach Martin
“We will try hard to win both races this weekend, and I’m sure Jorge (Martin) will try and do the same. “We appreciate Jorge’s attitude while leading the championship and also being a tough competitor like last year,” he added.
For Tardozzi, Bagnaia has now grown as a more mature racer along with his experience in fighting for the highest title.
He said, since 2021, when he lost the title to Fabio Quartararo, Bagnaia began to learn how to manage critical situations well, so that now he holds two championship titles.
“The last two years have proven that he has matured and grown… Finally, he has proven that he is a world champion and he is fighting against great riders like Jorge,” Tardozzi said.
Also read: 2024 MotoGP standings: Francesco Bagnaia approaches Jorge Martin
Also read: The Marquez brothers are determined to improve their performance in the Malaysian MotoGP
