The reigning world champion heads into this weekend’s remaining spherical of the 2023 season 21 factors away from rival Jorge Martin, after the latter struggled to tenth within the Qatar Grand Prix with a tyre difficulty.
Bagnaia can safe the 2023 title within the dash race on Saturday in Valencia if he outscores Martin by not less than 4 factors.
It echoes the scenario he confronted final 12 months coming into the Valencia finale battling Fabio Quartararo for the championship, with Bagnaia main the Frenchman by 23 factors.
However he concedes that the problem he faces now could be more durable, not least in opposition to a rider in Martin who’s on an identical equipment.
“It’s for positive the toughest one, additionally as a result of I made many errors this season and we arrive in a scenario the place I can have many extra factors however with as many errors as I did, we arrive now nonetheless within the battle,” mentioned Bagnaia, who additionally fought for and gained the 2018 Moto2 title.
“And combating in opposition to a rider who’s so sturdy and with so energetic when he’s on observe in time assault or dash race is just not simple, contemplating additionally that he has my bike and we are able to share knowledge.
“So, for positive, in comparison with final 12 months it’s a lot, a lot more durable and I believe we’re managing properly the scenario contemplating each Sunday we’re very sturdy.
Photograph by: MotoGP
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Staff, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Gresini Racing
“For positive, for Valencia, I might want to enhance lots the sensation on Saturday.”
Bagnaia admits he’ll arrive in Valencia with an identical feeling of nerves as he did final 12 months, however believes one of the best ways to method the weekend can be to deal with it as he would a standard spherical.
“Truthfully, one of the best ways to race and never be affected by the strain is simply to suppose on doing the utmost – simply concentrate on doing one of the best race attainable,” he added.
“And final 12 months truthfully I suffered lots in Valencia, even when I used to be with 23 factors of hole.
“So, I believe that I’ll arrive in Valencia kind of in the identical scenario, however already ready on what’s going to occurred.
“The factor that worries me extra on this second is the climate, as a result of 26 November in Valencia you’ll by no means know what’s going to occur.
“Truthfully, we’re in one of the best place attainable. We’re in entrance with 21 factors and Jorge should push lots, and we are able to handle a bit.
“However beginning to consider managing is just not one of the best ways to cope with the strain. So, we might want to concentrate on doing the identical technique, similar routine as a standard weekend.”