You can't always win, but Bagnaia tried everything to succeed. Yesterday, in the sprint race, Martin had beaten him by 2 seconds and 4 tenths in 15 laps, today at the Sachsenring he prevailed by just 64 thousandths in 30. Pecco and Jorge competed on their own, overtaking and thrilling, and with the Spaniard's victory, the Italian's lead in the standings narrowed to 16 points.
Pecco, did you ever think about settling for the result?
“No, because it's not in my nature, in fact I'm happy with the race but not with the result. I took several risks on the last lap, it reminded me of the Misano race against Enea, it was nice, and I want to continue like this. If I change my attitude, it will mean that there will be something wrong".
What drives you to always try?
“A victory always tastes better than a 2nd place. I tried until the end, maybe too much and we touched. It was a good race, hard fought and very close, with a nice, enjoyable fight. I'm happy because I'll arrive in Assen with good sensations”.
Is it so difficult to overtake at the Sachsenring?
“In our case there was a difference in terms of setting, Jorge and I rode different lines, and I couldn't get inside him. I tried at turns 5 and 6, but I couldn't. On the descent, you gain momentum, and you can prepare the attack, but on the penultimate lap I didn't do it because Jorge was good at covering, I didn't feel like braking at the penultimate corner because we were at the limit. Even in Jerez they said you couldn't overtake, but we did it and once again today we showed that if you're fast you can do it. Behind Jorge I didn't feel any turbulence, maybe we're used to it, or we've improved in that sense, I haven't had any problems with the pressure and temperature of the front tyre either."
Last year you fought with Bastianini, now with Martin: who is the toughest opponent?
“We all know the potential of both Jorge and Enea. If Bastianini hadn't had that injury earlier in the season, he would have been with us."
Do you have any regrets about your strategy?
"I tried to be in the front to open a gap, but I was a bit too conservative with the rear and he was pushing. When Jorge got back into the lead, I only thought of staying close to him to have the chance to attack him on the last lap, but I couldn't find a place to overtake him. I'm happy because I gave my all."
Yesterday you didn't seem at his level, what has changed today?
“I was missing support from the rear, I made requests to the team, and they gave me what I wanted. Jorge is very good at making the bike corner, which is more difficult for me with my riding style, but I was able to improve thanks to the changes on the bike".
Is it better or worse to fight with a rider who rides the same bike as you?
“I don't know, it's different every time and you must adapt. I did it in Jerez against the KTMs and I did it today against a rider who has a different riding style from mine."
And have a rider from a satellite team as a rival?
“If he's too close, I'll ask for team orders! (laughs). Fighting against factory or independent teams is always the same. Ducati's strategy is to give all the teams the best and I think that's the key to our success because you can continuously improve. It has its pros and cons, but it's the best way to make progress."
You said it jokingly, but now there will be those who will say you want team orders...
“I didn't want them last year, when Enea could have won, and I don't want them now either. I don't need help; I know my potential."
Is your main opponent for the championship Martin?
“In every race they ask me who my rival is, we'll see what happens. The situation is starting to take shape, Martin has done 3 podiums in a row, Zarco as well, Bezzecchi is struggling in qualifying but he's there in the race, now they are the 3 strongest. I'm with them and I have to stay there, I've already made several mistakes and I have many points less than I could."
Here and at Mugello the podium was monopolized by the GP23s, has the new bike already reached maturity?
“Bezzecchi will be very competitive with the GP22 in Assen. In winter, when I tested the GP23, I immediately felt better, and we are continuing to improve. I think the new bike is at a high level, better than last year's. In some races, however, the GP22 may be more competitive because the riders who ride it will be".