English
Italiano
Jorge Martin won the head-to-head with Pecco Bagnaia in the Buriram Sprint and now the standings say that by always finishing second from here to Valencia he would have the certainty of the world championship title. The rider from Piedmont therefore needs to send a very clear signal ahead of Sunday, especially after what happened in Saturday's encounter.
And just think that everything seemed to going the right way for the Ducati rider, who had set pole position. Unfortunately, however, the race went in another direction.
"We're in a situation where we can't lose points, and this afternoon I was struggling," he said, "I didn't have the confidence I had this morning with the front and I couldn't brake hard, especially in sectors 1 and 3. In the end, however, I finished third, more than that I could not do, while Martin was better at taking advantage of the situations."
Pecco, what can you tell us about the start?
"At the beginning it was a bit of chaos. Martin went off the track passing me, later he came back cutting back in, but he had to close the throttle because there was Marquez and he was on his tire. At turn 3 I passed Marc, but he closed the line. In my opinion nothing out of the ordinary. Every now and then chaos happens."
Did you think about attacking Enea, maybe trying to get away, when Jorge was fifth?
"No, because I couldn't make the most of the front. I thought about going for Enea, but I couldn't close the gap, just like in Phillip Island. I was getting to within 7 tenths, but I wasn't going any better than that. I couldn't be fast and Martin then passed me, even going on the green, since it's complicated to overtake here. Jorge's overtaking? I think it was worse the one at the first corner, since overtaking in Buriram is very difficult. The fact is that today in the race we were very fast with a pace in 1'29". Martin by the way touched the green four times because we were always on the limit. I thought he would get a penalty, but maybe I was wrong in counting, although I always count everything (smiles)."
Martin only needs to consistently finish second between now and the end of the season to win the title....
"I think there are still five races to go and Martin will not do second in all the next races. He can win or he could finish sixth or crash. The important thing will be for us to be able to be competitive, as I was struggling under braking this afternoon, plus I was struggling in my strong sectors, namely 1 and 3. It will be tough, but I am convinced that we will have to work to be strong and competitive."
You mentioned earlier about the green touched by Martin....
"Yes, we had an incredible pace today. In my opinion he touched the green four times. I thought they would penalize him, in fact I started counting, but I probably made a mistake."
What is the plan for Sunday?
"I would just like to regain that confidence that I had this morning in Turn 1 or 3, because in the Sprint I was really struggling."
Are you thinking about any possible team orders?
"I don't want any help from anyone. I never asked for it, much less want it. I've always wanted clean and fair battles on the track. There is aggression, but no contact and things like that."
