Winner of the Malaysian Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia came back to 24 points behind championship leader Jorge Martin. He promises to try to “win everything there is to win” in the final in Barcelona.
The duel with Martin in the first laps: “It was nice, a nice aggressive and fair duel. I wish I could have done it on Saturday, because I think I could have done it yesterday, but something was missing to make it happen. We put on a great show for the fans. Jorge was very aggressive, but all the passes were clean and we never touched each other. I was just waiting for the right moment to attack, riding at my own pace, because I knew I was better and that would allow me to widen the gap. »
No fear of falling like the day before: “It may sound strange but I didn’t feel under pressure. I immediately felt calm on the bike, in all situations. The problem that happens to me in sprinting, from which I have always suffered, is that I cannot follow the person in front of me very closely. I always have to leave a difference of a few tenths, I can brake hard, enter the corners well. It's still unclear why this happens, but that's how it is. I wasn't at all worried about what I was going to do and I was ready to do it. »
Heading to the final: “I'm going to Barcelona to win everything there is to win, and to try to win the title. We know very well how much 24 points represent. That's really a lot. It's very difficult, but we will try until the end. »
Need drivers to rank ahead of Martin to take points from him: “I have a chance, but obviously I could use someone else's help.” Even if I won both races, I know Jorge could finish second without any problem, because we are at another level. But I'll try, maybe I will. Offering my wheel to someone else to ensure someone else qualifies ahead of Jorge. I know that in Barcelona Aleix Espargaro will also be strong and will surely help Jorge. But I would also need someone to come between Jorge and me. »
“Anything can happen” in Barcelona: “Barcelona is a track where I can give a lot, but also lose a lot. We know how critical it is and how easy it is to make mistakes. It will be essential to do everything well. I keep beautiful and very bad memories there. Mathematically, anything is possible, although I know perfectly well how difficult it is to get there. In Barcelona, however, anything can happen. This year I crashed in the sprint race while trying to avoid any accidents. The errors are the same for everyone. The conditions will be difficult, because in Barcelona it will be colder than usual. It will be important to try to be competitive, but also to stay calm. »
Why not slow down the pace to allow the others to come back and attack Martin: “I’m not the type of person to play like that. I was just enjoying the race. Anyway, even if they had caught up with us then, I wouldn't have been happy. For me, I don't think that's the right way to try to win. I am a clean rider and a true athlete. I would never have slowed down to let others get closer. »
The good relationship with Martin: “It’s easy for me. I'm not the type of person who wants to be nice off the track, then tough on the track, aggressive and pushing your rivals. I'm not like that and I never will be. If Jorge started doing it with me, maybe my attitude would change, but in my opinion he behaves the same way. There is a lot of respect between us. »
The choice to go to Barcelona: “I keep saying that racing in Spain is not the best, but at least we won't be in Valencia, where unfortunately the situation is getting worse. It's not something you forget, it's good to ride somewhere else. »
