Double MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia has warned the championship that if he continues to insist on competing in the final race of the season in Valencia, he has no intention of going, even if it costs him title.
“It’s not the right thing to do.” Currently second in the standings, 17 points behind leader Jorge Martin, Italian driver Francesco Bagnaia announced that he would not participate in the last race of the season if it took place in Valencia. And even his absence from the tracks could cost him the title.
“I don't think it's right that the last race of the season takes place in Valencia. I really hope that they take into consideration that ethically and with what's happening, it's not not the right thing to do, even if it costs me to miss my ultimate goal, which is to win the title, I am not ready to race in Valencia,” the Ducati rider responded to the press on Friday.
“We have other options”
Francesco Bagnaia had already expressed his desire not to race in Valencia on Thursday, while the organizers were asking themselves the question of maintaining the last stage in the Spanish region. “Honestly, racing in Valencia is like a celebration, a moment of fun. And knowing that the situation is as it is, it wouldn't seem right to me to do it [courir là-bas]”, assured the pilot at a press conference.
“So I think it wouldn't be good to race in Valencia. If it was up to me, I would prefer not to race there. But it's not up to me to decide. Whatever the decision is of Dorna, she will be good and fair. But I think we have many more options to try,” he continued.
A title that escapes him due to lack of racing?
Asked how he would experience the simple elimination of the last stage, without it being moved elsewhere, Francesco Bagnaia admits that he would find it “unfair” to finish in Malaysia. He, being only 17 points behind the leader, with two races still to go, can dream of taking the title promised to Jorge Martin in the last GPs.
