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The floods that devastated Valencia has put everyting that's sports related on the back burner. Even during the press conference dedicated to the two title challengers, Martin and Bagnaia first wanted to send their messages of support to the population that was affected by the calamity. "It's important to think about those people who are living their worst nightmare, and we have to be close to them," Pecco said. "I know it's impossible to do something for them. We also experienced a similar situation in Italy, and I hope it will improve soon."
Do you think racing in Valencia is possible?
"The most important thing is the ethical aspect. The race is a celebration and, in that situation, it wouldn't be correct to organize it. I'm always very respectful for what goes on in the world, because we all live under the same sky, after all. I'd prefer not to race in Valencia, but it's not my decision. It's not even the right time to think about an alternative circuit."
What if they were to cancel the last GP?
"I don't think it would be right but, again, it's not my decision."
Let's think about this weekend in Sepang.
"It's going to be very important, and we'll have to work well, like we did in Thailand. We made a mistake on Saturday, but we figured it out, so we can improve. I need to be able to make up more than three points, like we did in Buriram."
What do you need to do?
"Right now, Martin can afford to risk less in the championship, because he's ahead. Mistakes shouldn't be made, but the best way to attack is to win by being fast. To have a good chance to win the title in the last Grand Prix, he'll have to get there with less than ten points from Jorge."
He has the first match-point here. He needs to win all the races, and you don't score points in the Sprint and not finish 3rd or worse on Sunday.
"Those seem like very unlikely possibilities, both for me and for him. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."
By now, you're used to fighting for the title in the Sprint. How do you feel?
"The pressure is always there, but I like being in this situation. You know you have to be as fast as possible and not make mistakes. Logically, Jorge is in a better situation than I am. He's ahead, like I was last year. You have to think about staying calm and being competitive at the same time. It's not easy at all. In the end, we just have to enjoy the moment."
Can you do that?
"That's what I learned. I've improved in that aspect. Now I can enjoy the results I achieve more."
Why are you always forced to end the championship at the last minute?
"Every season, something happens. In 2022, I was ninety-one points behind Quartararo. In 2023, there was the crash in Barcelona, which cost me a lot, mentally. It made me lose some speed. This year, I can't complain about speed. I won fifteen races with the Sprints, but I had some bad luck and made some mistakes. Without those episodes, I'd sixty or eighty more points in the standings, but that's how it was."
How's the mood in the garage?
"This is the third year that we're in this situation. We know what we have to do. The strategy is always the same ... stay calm."
