Malaysia MotoGP, Bagnaia: "I don’t feel pressure, I know it may go to Valencia”

In the slipstream of Rossi, Stoner and Agostini. Pecco Bagnaia comes to Sepang with a chance to follow in the footsteps of three great champions and put an all-Italian pairing back on top of the world fifty years after the last time (Ago and MV in 1972), bring the riders’ title back to Italy thirteen years after Valentino Rossi’s last victory, and hand Ducati it’s second MotoGP riders’ title. No mean feat, and one that Pecco is, quite rightly, trying not to think too much about. He can count on his experience in 2018 of course, when he won the Moto2 title at the same Sepang track.

“I’m not feeling the pressure right now”, begins Pecco. “I felt it more in 2018 actually, as I came here with a 38-point lead so I felt like I could really win, while this time I accept that it might go to Valencia. I’m trying to take it as it comes and remain calm. I know that if we work well I can be up front, and then we’ll see.”

Many riders have said you have a real opportunity here at Sepang. What do you think?

“I know I can be very strong, but remember that in 2019 it was Quartararo on pole and Vinales who won the race. We have two straights where we can make the difference and the bike has great potential, but tyre choice will be key depending on the conditions. I’m trying not to think about the title”.

How’s the comeback been for you? You’ve come in for some criticism.

“I’m quite used to criticism, as I get it even when I win. I’ve felt good throughout anyway and my motivation has grown race by race, which I think helps me focus on the end goal. I’m pleased to have got here, but now we need to bring it home, which is perhaps the hardest bit”.

Why do you think you get criticised?

“I honestly don’t know, but I know I have nothing to prove. Constructive criticism is always welcome, while the rest it’s best to ignore. The idea that I’m up front because there are eight Ducatis makes no sense for example, as I’ve won the races by myself, and I think the team and I have shown that our potential is really high.” 

Bagnaia: "Portimao, Silverstone and Aragon the key moments of the season"

What have been the most important moments so far?

“We made the biggest technical improvement at Portimao, which meant that from Jerez onwards we’ve been in good shape and have only had to work on the details. From a motivational standpoint, the Silverstone win was important, as I wasn’t the quickest. Then there’s Aragon of course, where I made up many points to Fabio”.

Do you think Fabio has lost faith?

“He’ll do all he can to catch up, and rightly so. We saw what he did in Australia, crashing and then trying to make up ground. That was a show of strength, as taking risks to catch up is worth more than lapping fifteenth without pushing”.

What kind of race do you think you can run?

“I’ll try to win, that's what I’ll be pushing for. It may rain on Saturday and Sunday but I’m hoping for dry conditions, as I can be quicker but it’s also harder to make mistakes.”

Traslated by Heather Watson

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