Reigning two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia has issued a clear warning to his title rival Jorge Martin, declaring he is on a "mission" to regain ground in the championship race, starting with this weekend's event in Thailand. Bagnaia, trailing by 20 points, knows that every point counts with only three race weekends left in the season. The defending champion lost some momentum after finishing third at the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, while Martin secured second place behind Marc Marquez.
Bagnaia expressed confidence about the upcoming race at Buriram, a track he believes suits his strengths. "This track is better for me in terms of performance. I love the layout, and our potential can be higher here," said the 27-year-old Ducati rider. He remains optimistic, stating that the 20-point gap is manageable, and his focus is on recovering lost ground. However, the challenge remains steep, as Martin dominated both the sprint and main race in Thailand last year.
Jorge Martin, currently leading the championship, acknowledged his strong position but remains cautious. "Australia was great, and I wanted to win, but I'm confident heading into this race," said the 26-year-old Spaniard, who is aiming to capture his first MotoGP world title. Martin will need to contend with extreme heat and humidity in Buriram, which could be a deciding factor, especially with the physically demanding conditions continuing in Malaysia for the penultimate race.
Marc Marquez, a six-time MotoGP champion, is third in the title race but remains a distant 79 points behind Martin. Despite his slim chances, Marquez acknowledged the fierce competition between Martin and Bagnaia. "These two guys will put the target super high," said Marquez, looking ahead to the remaining races. With a maximum of 37 points available this weekend, the Buriram showdown is crucial for the championship contenders as the season heads toward its conclusion in Valencia.
ADD A COMMENT :