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Bagnaia is happier than what his 5th quickest time half a second behind Marc Marquez might suggest. Yesterday, in Thailand, everything went wrong, while today he was able to work as he wants and likes. Not everything went smoothly however as he was unable to express himself over the one lap or even test himself in a race simulation, but despite all that he oozed serenity amidst all the clouds surrounding him.
"Today was much better, we were able to identify the problems we had yesterday - Pecco breathed a sigh of relief - Apart from this morning; we started with the same issues but then we solved them exit by exit. I'm satisfied, the only negative note today was the time attack: when I was ready, I had a problem that I would call extra than what concerns us. Anyway, that's okay, the important things are the feeling and being fast on used tires."
So you have decided: will you start with the 2024 base?
"I prefer the engineers to say it, but I would call the bike we will use a GP24.9, so very close to the 2025."
Do you regret not having a better engine than last year's?
"Honestly, better than the '24 was tough and I think all the others could pay to have something like this. But from my point of view, I was quite sure. I have to say that I was a bit of a lier these days, but I couldn't say the truth. I was quite convinced from the start that the '24 was better. Then we worked, we tried to improve, but for the first day in Malaysia me and Marc were of the same opinion, that the GP24 was still a bit better. We tried to improve a lot on the braking, but we didn't succeed. So we worked a lot with the '24 and we understood that we still have some margin on it."
How much did having to homologate the engine for two seasons influence the choice?
"A lot because we had already taken a risk in 2023, where we solved the problems on the last day, and we don't want to be in certain situations again. We decided on the 2024 engine because it is the top."
You were not able to do a race simulation.
"Yes, but starting with the base of last year's bike is not a problem, we already know what to expect. Having completely lost yesterday, I couldn't afford to give up practice to focus on race simulation. It was unfortunate, but it was the only way to keep improving."
Marquez, on the other hand, made the difference in his simulation.
"Marc was very, very fast. He only slowed down for a few laps, but I think it was because he found Aldeguer. Overall he was very competitive and he's definitely the most ready for the first race because he was comfortable here right away and he worked a lot both yesterday and today. I also saw Bezzecchi in good shape."
In these tests what surprised you about working with Marquez?
"I was ready to find a professional, I already knew that I would find a rider who would help us improve. It was very positive that our comments were very similar."
How do you see your rivals?
"Acosta was quite fast, but I feel like saying that we are more competitive on pace. Aprilia, on the other hand, seems to me to be in very good shape with Bez, while Yamaha having a few more problems than in Malaysia, maybe because of grip. Overall I think it will be a first race with the Ducatis ahead, but the Aprilias close."
What is your assessment of this winter of testing?
"In Malaysia the balance was very positive, we worked a lot and I was happy. Unfortunately, here in Thailand, we kind of lost the day yesterday, but having put those problems right today I can draw important conclusions and the balance is positive."
