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There are second places and second places. Yesterday's had infuriated Bagnaia. Today's had quite different consequences on his mood. Not being able to battle for the win with Marc Marquez is still a bitter pill to swallow, but having reduced the gap with Martin from 26 to 7 points makes the pill even more bitter. Will he himself agree?
"In the economy of the championship, I'd say 'yes'. It couldn't have gone better than this. From a mood point of view, on the other hand, to come back and win today after what had happened would've been the best, especially at home," Pecco responded.
Compared to yesterday, are you more satisfied?
"In hindsight, yes. This second place isn't like a victory, but it feels good. I tried until the end, but winning wasn't possible. Unfortunately, when it started to rain, I lost a lot of time, because I couldn't understand the conditions after seeing Morbidelli fall. Apart from that, Marquez was very fast in the second part of the race, and I couldn't take advantage of the full potential. Getting points today was crucial. When I saw Martin enter the pits, I knew he wasn't going to score points. From there, I tried to get to the end without making mistakes. My strategy changed."
What do you think about Martin's error in strategy?
"Maybe Jorge was a little impulsive, but that choice could've been reasonable, because it was raining enough during the lap. Maybe he was influenced by the fact that Morbidelli fell. It's difficult. These are very complicated situations and he tried. He made a bet that didn't pay off. Me doing the same? I honestly didn't think about it."
Did you expect rain during the race?
"The radars said no, and so did Tardozzi ... In fact, it rained," he said laughing. "It happens like that every time. Davide says one thing, then the opposite happens," he laughed again.
Did that choice also change your race?
"I saw him come into the pits from the big screen positioned at the last corner and, at that point, I couldn't make any more mistakes. Marquez overtook me, and I looked for an opportunity to pass him, but there wasn't one except at the Curvone, and that's not the right place to try."
Did you think about the championship?
"When I saw that Bastianini was three or four seconds behind me, I decided to settle for second place, also because I was taking too many risks following Marc. From there on, it was a disaster. Before, I was riding like I wanted, but as soon as I lost a little concentration, the pain returned. To beat Marquez today, you had to be at one-hundred percent, and I wasn't."
How much did the injury affect you today?
"When I think about what had happened last weekend, it was a very good result. I worked well with my staff and, last year, after the leg injury, I was in worse shape. But, in that case, I could compensate with my arms, whereas, a shoulder injury is more complicated."
Would you sign today to not win but make up just as many points also in the upcoming GP in Misano?
"No, because I want to win. I always try."
Now Marquez is 53 points off the top. Do you consider him differently for the championship?
"Yes, but you never know. Just look at what happened to me. Yesterday, I was twenty-six points behind Martin. Today I was seven. It's always very easy to lose or gain so many points. Until the math says so, you don't have to exclude anyone. Marc who won the last two races, but not even Bastianini because they both have to fight for the title until the end."
So, Marquez didn't surprise you today?
"Today, without the rain, he would've been behind but only because of the starting position, he has been very strong all weekend. In a normal situation, he would have been with me and Martin. He was the bravest in those conditions."
What will it mean to race in Misano again in two weeks?
"For everyone's performance, enough. Racing two GPs at the same circuit is tricky because it takes you to the limit even more. I don't think the times will drop more, though. I'll have another chance to try to win."
Given your physical condition, will you take part in testing tomorrow?
"It depends on what we'll have to try."
