The reigning world champion heads into this weekend’s remaining spherical of the 2023 season 21 factors away from rival Jorge Martin, after the latter struggled to tenth within the Qatar Grand Prix with a tyre difficulty.
Bagnaia can safe the 2023 title within the dash race on Saturday in Valencia if he outscores Martin by not less than 4 factors.
It echoes the state of affairs he confronted final yr coming into the Valencia finale battling Fabio Quartararo for the championship, with Bagnaia main the Frenchman by 23 factors.
However he concedes that the problem he faces now could be more durable, not least in opposition to a rider in Martin who’s on equivalent equipment.
“It’s for positive the toughest one, additionally as a result of I made many errors this season and we arrive in a state of affairs the place I can have many extra factors however with as many errors as I did, we arrive now nonetheless within the battle,” stated Bagnaia, who additionally fought for and gained the 2018 Moto2 title.
“And combating in opposition to a rider who’s so sturdy and so energetic when he’s on monitor in time assault or dash race is just not simple, contemplating additionally that he has my bike and we are able to share knowledge.
“So, for positive, in comparison with final yr it’s a lot, a lot tougher and I believe we’re managing properly the state of affairs contemplating each Sunday we’re very sturdy.
Picture by: MotoGP
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Group, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Gresini Racing
“For positive, for Valencia, I might want to enhance lots the sensation on Saturday.”
Bagnaia admits he’ll arrive in Valencia with an identical feeling of nerves as he did final yr, however believes the easiest way to strategy the weekend will probably be to deal with it as he would deal with a traditional spherical.
“Actually, the easiest way to race and never be affected by the stress is simply to assume on doing the utmost – simply give attention to doing the perfect race potential,” he added.
“And final yr actually I suffered lots in Valencia, even when I used to be with 23 factors of hole.
“So, I believe that I’ll arrive in Valencia roughly in the identical state of affairs, however already ready on what is going to occurred.
“The factor that worries me extra on this second is the climate, as a result of 26 November in Valencia you’ll by no means know what is going to occur.
“Actually, we’re in the perfect place potential. We’re in entrance with 21 factors and Jorge must push lots, and we are able to handle a bit.
“However beginning to consider managing is just not the easiest way to take care of the stress. So, we might want to give attention to doing the identical technique, similar routine as a traditional weekend.”
