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Bagnaia and Martin are on stage, between them the MotoGP World Champions trophy on which one of the two will write their own name this weekend. The odds-on favors only logically for the Spaniard, who can count on a 24-point lead with 37 still to go. "I know that this time doing my best may not be enough," was Pecco's summary. In Barcelona he has to win and hope for an opponent's mistake, there is practically no other way not to take the #1 plate off his Ducati.
"First, I want to say that I am happy to race to help Valencia - Bagnaia began - As for this GP, I clearly know that it will be difficult to be able to gain 24 points, so my goal is to give my best, win both races and try to keep the title fight open until Sunday, then we'll see what happens."
Barcelona is a friendly track.
"I've always loved racing at Valencia, it's the track of the grand finale, but in terms of layout I prefer Montmeló, it has more right turns, you have to know how to manage the tires. I will take it as an advantage, but when we raced here in May Jorge and I were on another level, maybe this time there could be someone between us. Martin will be able to manage, it would be enough for him to finish 7th twice to win the title, however, pressure always plays a role, so let's wait for Sunday."
Do you think of a strategy to get someone in between you?
"I will never do anything to compromise another rider's result, I will only try to have fun and win. Of course, Jorge has a level that can guarantee him the title, because even if he slows down a little it would be difficult for him not to be on the podium, but I will not try to cause any strange situation. I know that Martin will be able to count on the help of some riders, like Aleix, and I on those from the Academy, but that 24-point lead remains."
If you could win it, what title would it be?
"It's hard to compare World Championships with each other. In 2022 I was 91 points behind, but my opponent was at a clear technical disadvantage. The second one was easier, but the crash in Barcelona slowed me down a little bit and Jorge took advantage of it; it took me a few races to find my speed again. This year I made a lot of mistakes, I was also unlucky, like in Le Mans, and 3 times other riders dropped me. Jorge made fewer mistakes, sometimes he settled for a 2nd place, and that made the difference, like the points advantage he accumulated in the Sprints. If I should win on Sunday, it will be because I will have done a great job, but also because he made mistakes."
A year ago you were the one with the advantage at the last GP.
"Now I feel much freer, in the end I just have to do what I do best: have fun and win. In 2022, at the last race, I was scared, in fact I finished 9th, below my potential. Last year I was calmer, but when I found myself in the race I was nervous, only after Jorge's mistake in the first corner did everything become easier. In the end you can't escape the pressure and it's hard to live with it, but Martin can enjoy this weekend after having a fantastic season. I, this time, know that giving my best may not be enough."
Your rivalry has been confirmed.
"It reminds me of the past, when I watched MotoGP on TV: there was Valentino against Biaggi, Gibernau, Stoner, then Pedrosa against Lorenzo and Marquez against everyone. I like rivalry and above all it is nice that our relationship is based on respect, between me and Jorge there is always fairness."
Who would deserve this title more?
"Both of us for what we have done. I made a lot of mistakes and to become champion you have to be more consistent, as Jorge has been. In terms of results, though, I did a better job: I won 10 GPs and 6 Sprints. It may sound strange, but if Martin wins the title I will be happy for him, because we have known each other for so long."
No mind games between you?
"With me they don't work and neither with Jorge, they would be a waste of time, so I won't do them. I might, if I were in front, not push to make the others come back in, but I won't implement that strategy either."
What will be the key to this weekend?
"There will be many: we are racing on a complicated track, it will be cold, we will have more tires than usual, and many riders will be fast, like the Aprilia and KTM riders. A small mistake can make you lose a lot of points, as happened to me in the Sprint in Malaysia. In MotoGP it is very easy to both win and lose."
