Since yesterday, Let's talk MotoGP looks at Pecco Bagnaia's season, addressing issues little covered in traditional media. I invite you to read this first part by clicking here. Today, we will try to answer an even more difficult question: Where could Pecco Bagnaia lose the MotoGP world title? Here we go for a new episode which promises to be tricky.
The race that changed everything
As stated in yesterday's article, it was very difficult to define the moment when Jorge Martin won the championship. On the other hand, we can try to identify, with a certain precision, where Bagnaia lost the n°1.
Of course, there is Australia, which stands out because it was a sort of admission of weakness. Bagnaia couldn't compete with Martin and Marquez, when it was already critical, in hindsight. But it's still third place, and we don't lose the title from this position. No, only one (or more) falls can explain his defeat. I note two, undoubtedly more important than the others.
Bagnaia in front of Martin, a common image in 2024. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
First, that of the Sprint in Catalonia. In the last lap, it hurts, but it's only a Sprint, you might say. Precisely, Martin's success was built on the short format, these are the opportunities that should not be missed. That of Silverstone, also in Sprint, was quite terrible. Besides, for the anecdote, this is the blunder that the Italian regrets the most at the moment.
But according to my analysis, one comes off quite easily because it occurs late in the year: it's this clash with Alex Marquez in Aragon. First of all, because it followed a historic poor performance by the official Ducati in Sprint. Usually, he comes back strong on Sunday when he struggles on Saturday. But not this time. While he was on his way to scoring very big points, he risked a daring overtake on Alex Marquezin other words, one of the only ones on which you should not do this. Maybe the Spaniard was at fault, but that doesn't matter: wanting to overtake him here was an error of judgment given the difference in pace.
This did not help him to arrive at Misano with confidence, and he had to wait until Japan to taste again the joys of victory in a Grand Prix, even though he was on a series of eight consecutive races finished in the top 3. This was very damaging to the balance sheet and its momentum.
A lack of success?
Bagnaia, alone in the lead. Does anyone have the stats on laps led this season? Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Luck is an essential element in sport. If Jorge Martin was no luckier than anyone else, Pecco Bagnaia still suffered a few blows of fate. Those who swear by objectivity should therefore have no difficulty recognizing them. First of all, there was this crash in the Sprint at Jerez, when he was hit by Brad Binder in the first corner. There wasn't much he could do about it. Then there was this mechanical problem during the Le Mans Sprint, which forced him to abandon the event. It's not huge, sure, but in the end, that's what he's missing.
Be careful not to make a mistake: this is not where he lost the world title because he could do nothing about it, while at other times, he had control over his own destiny and did not capitalize on the context which was, at times, favorable to him.
In your opinion, was it Bagnaia who lost this championship, or Martin who won it? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial staff.
A photo that must hurt. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
