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 concern.
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 scenario he confronted final 12 months 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’s 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 scenario 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 received the 2018 Moto2 title.
“And preventing in opposition to a rider who’s so robust and so energetic when he’s on monitor in time assault or dash race will not be straightforward, contemplating additionally that he has my bike and we will share information.
“So, for positive, in comparison with final 12 months it’s a lot, a lot more durable and I feel we’re managing effectively the scenario contemplating each Sunday we’re very robust.
Photograph by: MotoGP
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Crew, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Gresini Racing
“For positive, for Valencia, I might want to enhance loads the sensation on Saturday.”
Bagnaia admits he’ll arrive in Valencia with an identical feeling of nerves as he did final 12 months, however believes one of the best ways to strategy the weekend can be to deal with it as he would deal with a standard spherical.
“Actually, one of the best ways to race and never be affected by the strain is simply to assume on doing the utmost – simply deal with doing the most effective race attainable,” he added.
“And final 12 months actually I suffered loads in Valencia, even when I used to be with 23 factors of hole.
“So, I feel that I’ll arrive in Valencia kind of in the identical scenario, however already ready on what’s 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’s going to occur.
“Actually, we’re in the most effective place attainable. We’re in entrance with 21 factors and Jorge must push loads, and we will handle a bit.
“However beginning to consider managing will not be one of the best ways to cope with the strain. So, we might want to deal with doing the identical technique, identical routine as a standard weekend.”
