Fresh off a victory at the Jerez circuit, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, Pecco Bagnaia, sat down with ‘SpeedWeek’ to discuss the current season, his approach to racing, and his thoughts on personal rituals and the upcoming regulations.
Pre-Race Rituals and Personal Reflections
Pecco Bagnaia, known for his meticulous pre-race rituals, shared the significance behind his actions before stepping onto the track. “This is something I have been doing for a long time. It calms me a little. This is my routine. You always do the same things because you know they work for you,” Bagnaia explained, highlighting his slight superstitious nature which helps him prepare mentally and emotionally for the race.
Recalling Jerez 2023: A Stellar Performance
Reflecting on his previous performance at Jerez in 2023, described by his crew chief Cristian Gabbarini as one of his best races, Bagnaia expressed satisfaction. “The race was fantastic. Last year was not easy, but we started improving the feel during the sessions, and it was a good fight with the KTM. Finally winning was nice,” he recounted, capturing the essence of his continuous improvement and resilience.
The 2024 Season: Challenges and Triumphs
The 2024 season began with mixed results for Bagnaia, who experienced both highs and lows. He detailed his experiences from the season opener in Qatar, where he had an outstanding performance, to facing significant challenges in Portimao and Austin due to unexpected issues with the Ducati GP24. “Yes, there are problems because we didn’t have the bike ready in the tests, not even with used tires. Then the vibrations in the Sprint race in Qatar were terrible. It was the first time I felt them,” Bagnaia shared, revealing the complexities of managing a top-tier racing bike.
New Beginnings with the GP24
Riding the Ducati GP24 feels like starting anew, according to Bagnaia, who compared the situation to his first championship year in 2022. “The situation in 2022 was similar. Now we’ve gathered a lot of data that should help solve the problems, and I believe we will make this step. It’s always difficult to predict. But if you are fighting for the Championship and find yourself among the top three, that’s also good,” he said, optimistic about mastering the new challenges posed by the GP24.
Learning from the Newcomer: Pedro Acosta
Bagnaia also spoke highly of MotoGP rookie Pedro Acosta, praising his fearless approach and ability to adapt quickly. “I always try to learn from newcomers because they always bring something new and different. At the moment, I’m studying Pedro’s corner entry. It’s a new style; it changes the way you approach a corner. He’s doing a great job,” Bagnaia admired, emphasizing his openness to evolving his techniques by observing promising talents like Acosta.
Future Regulations and the Desire for Speed
Looking ahead to the new regulations set for 2027, Bagnaia’s main wish is straightforward: “I just want to have the fastest bike. Winning is the biggest motivation. Also, I don’t understand why some riders say it’s difficult to manage the buttons or adjust the chassis. You have to get used to it. For me, playing with the buttons during a race has become normal. It’s part of the job. If you want to be fast, you have to do it,” he concluded, underscoring his focus on maintaining competitiveness and his passion for MotoGP.
As Bagnaia continues to navigate the complexities of professional racing, his insights reveal a blend of respect for tradition, eagerness to learn, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.