The fight for the world title has become even more intense in Japan in MotoGP. While Jorge Martin entered the weekend with more than twenty points in advance, his fall in Qualifying compromised his chances of victory. It was enough for his rival, Pecco Bagnaia, to claim the honors of reigning on the highest step of the podium, both during the Sprint and the main race.
A flawless performance which allowed the Italian to come back ten lengths behind the Spaniard in the Drivers’ standings, while 148 points will still be at stake during the last four rounds of the season.
Given the situation, only the top 4 in the table, completed by Enea Bastianini and Marc Marquez, still have a mathematical chance of seizing the world crown this year. While Ducati won the Manufacturers’ title at Misano 2, it is now certain that one of the Borgo Panigale riders will take the World Champion title.
“Once again and in the most crucial moments, Pecco was able to masterfully manage his resources, comments the latter after the Motegi race. He therefore reduced the gap. But he also reaffirmed his strength and determination.
For his part, Martin limited the damage in an exemplary manner. Both during the Sprint and the race on Sunday, he continues. It was a weekend spent hunting. Conditioned by the position he had on the starting grid. »
Bagnaia – Martin, a duel on equal terms
For Gigi Dall’Igna, general director of the brand, it does not matter whether the latter is a factory driver, or from one of the brand’s satellite teams. In other words, the Italian assures that Bagnaia will not have more support from Bologna than Martin.
Speaking of the Championship, as we said: whatever the result, for us it will be a cause of success, advances encore Gigi Dall’Igna. Whatever it is, it will be mission accomplished. This fills us with pride and prepares us for a big celebration at Ducati. PIt doesn’t matter who the champion really is. We are ready to enjoy a spectacular finale. And it will be! »
While another duel has been fought for many races for third place in the Championship, Dall’Igna still assures that he has no preference between Bastianini, current Ducati factory rider, and his successor, Marc Marquez.
“An important podium was obtained by Marc Marquez after a complicated qualification. He managed to repel the attempts of Bastianini who, as fiercely as usual, was the protagonist of the second half of the race. After a somewhat timid start. We have to take into account that these two are competing for a prestigious third place in the championship standings. With a gap which is currently only 2 points » concludes the Transalpine.
If the latter mathematically maintain their title chances in Australia, the gap is widening with the two leaders and Marc Marquez has already announced that he has given up on a seventh crown in the premier category. The No. 93 is focusing on the end of his adventure with Gresini, and preparing to challenge Pecco Bagnaia on equal terms next year.
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