Francesco Bagnaia, after the Misano race, repeatedly used the word “amazing” to describe various aspects of the event. The overwhelming support from the crowd, his performance, and the overall atmosphere were all objects of his admiration. Standing on the podium, he felt the electrifying energy of the crowd chanting his name.
Reflecting on the race, Bagnaia said: “I am pleased to feel all this affection; it’s magical. Seeing everything in red is a great emotion and also a responsibility, it means we are working in the right direction.”
When asked about the significance of his performance, he replied: “I don’t want to be repetitive, but the effort we made to be here was immense. I did it mainly for myself, because it was crucial to be competitive after what happened in Barcelona. Being almost ready to fight in the race was not easy, and I am proud of it.”
Bagnaia’s home race certainly gave him an extra motivation. With humor, he commented that the race in Austria could have been physically easier, given the demanding nature of the Misano track. However, the immense support from fans and the technical team was invaluable.
During the race, Bagnaia had more than just a 3rd place as a goal. He tried to overtake Jorge Martin, but acknowledged Martin’s clear superiority. As the race progressed, Bagnaia faced physical challenges, especially after 15 laps. He was only using his arms and the pressure on the front tire had increased. It took me 2 or 3 laps to catch my breath, and that’s what allowed me to accelerate again when Dani Pedrosa approached.”
Pedrosa, indeed, gave Bagnaia a run for his money. Bagnaia admitted that securing a place on the podium was of the utmost importance to him. He talked about the challenges he faced during the race, especially when changing direction and braking. Despite the difficulties, he never thought about giving up.
When asked about the potential outcome if he were in perfect physical condition, Bagnaia felt that, although the race could have unfolded differently, beating Jorge would have been a challenge.
Speaking about the championship fight with Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, Bagnaia made a playful remark: “If Martin gets too close, we’ll turn off the taps!” He also added that he is looking forward to a good fight with Martin.
The race was not particularly eventful and Bagnaia attributed this fact to the introduction of the minimum tire pressure rule. He expressed his concerns about the rule, stating that it complicates overtaking and does not necessarily increase safety. He explained: “Just stay 2 or 3 laps behind another rider and we start to have difficulty stopping the bike. If we add the slipstream effect, we risk colliding with him.”
Michelin’s position is that riders should manage tire pressure. Bagnaia, however, believes that they could have more support in this regard. He emphasized that, although performance is not a problem, safety is paramount.
Regarding the upcoming tests, Bagnaia mentioned that he may rest if there is nothing significant to test. He is optimistic about the Indian GP and believes that his physical problems will not hinder his performance.
In conclusion, Bagnaia’s determination and resilience were evident throughout the Misano race. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on the championship and is prepared to give his all in the upcoming races.
