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Gino Borsoi finds himself for the second consecutive season managing Jorge Martìn in a fiery finish to the season, with a chance to win the riders' title in the very year of Pramac's farewell to Ducati. A goal that was hard to imagine when he took over the reins of the team, but one that he actually came close to in 2023. Dorna held a special press conference in Sepang to put side by side just Borsoi and Davide Tardozzi, that is, the two team managers of the riders who are vying for this title.
Now for Borsoi there is the last step to take, the one that would be the icing on the cake of the wonderful story of collaboration between Pramac and Ducati, before the Italian team embraces Yamaha and this new Iwata-branded challenge. We refer, of course, to winning the riders' title with Jorge Martìn, a chance that has never been as concrete as it is today.
How are you experiencing this season finale?
"First I want to send my thoughts to the people affected in Valencia by storm Dana - were Borsoi's words - they are suffering so much right now and if I can do anything about it I will. Having said that, it is clear that I am enjoying this end of the season very much as I did in 2023. It is certainly a privilege to be here and to be fighting with the official team again. We will do our best of course to get the best possible result."
After the team title, you're aiming for the riders' world championship with Martìn.
"Last year it was incredible for us to be the first independent team to win the team world championship, this year we are still here and we can win the riders title. It's really a privilege and I have to thank Ducati, because if we are in this situation it's thanks to them because they have always given us all the support to be there, this year as well as last year, so we can't do anything but thank them."
Do you feel more pressure?
"In terms of pressure I think it's the same. I also think Jorge learned a lot from 2023, I think he understood what he missed last year and what the key points were to fight for the title. Not only has Jorge improved, but also the whole team. Even I myself have improved from that point of view, because when a moment of stress and pressure comes you have to be ready."
You are also at the end of your relationship with Ducati, then a new adventure will begin. Did you ever worry that Ducati's support would change this year?
"Next year will be a different story, it's the future. As I have said so many times, Ducati has never worked against us, they have always given us the maximum in terms of material and support. I think they are the only ones in the paddock who could have given us such opportunities and support. I don't want to say more, because I think it's clear that they are helping and supporting us as always."
How do you experience the moments leading up to this finale?
"It's a great moment, it's been two incredible seasons with Ducati. I often like to close my eyes and remember the beautiful moments we have experienced in these two years. I often say that to the guys on the team as well. To be here, so close to the riders' title, is exciting. I would love to be able to put Jorge's name here."
Both you and Tardozzi have been riders, does that help you in your work?
"I've been a rider, but I certainly can't make suggestions to Jorge on how to ride. Instead, the thing I think I can make suggestions on is the mental aspect, because that's part of my job as a manager I think. When the challenge for the title gets hot, as it is today, I think it's all about intensity and mental focus."
Have you had any talks with Dorna about Valencia?
"I have not spoken with Dorna about Valencia yet, but I am sure they will make the best possible decision."
Why do you think Pramac has emerged over the other Ducati customer teams, does it just depend on the Factory bike?
"Certainly the collaboration we have always had with Ducati has made the difference. Then it is clear that having the Factory bike has also helped us a lot to be where we are. In our box then there are people with great professionalism, the whole team is great at all times, everyone knows exactly what to do. I feel lucky, I have managed a great team always and I have always had great people around me."
You say that when you don't win you have to learn. What did you learn in 2023 that was useful in 2024?
"When you don't win you have to learn, that's how I think about it. Last year was a defining moment for me and also for the whole team, because we started from there to understand better and better what to do to improve. In my opinion the fruit of the labor has been seen, because I think we have improved a lot as a team compared to 2024."
What will you miss most when you part ways with Ducati?
"I will miss Davide, my teacher. I always look at who is the best in the paddock to improve and for me Davide is that in my work, he helped me a lot. We will miss Ducati, because after so many years we have good friendships with everyone in the company. However, the future is different, a big challenge and it will also require a different approach. It's good to fight with them today!"
