Francesco Bagnaia, after the Misano race, repeatedly used the word “incredible” to describe various aspects of the event. The overwhelming support from the audience, his performance, and the overall atmosphere were all subjects of his admiration. Standing on the podium, he felt the electrifying energy as the home crowd chanted his name.
Reflecting on the race, Bagnaia said, “I’m pleased to feel all this affection; it’s magical. Seeing everything red is a great emotion and also a responsibility, it means that we are working in the right way.”
When asked about the significance of his performance, he responded, “I don’t want to be repetitive, but the effort we put into being here was immense. I did it mainly for myself because it was crucial to be competitive after what transpired in Barcelona. Being almost ready to fight in the race wasn’t easy, and I’m proud of that.”
Bagnaia’s home race certainly provided him with added motivation. He humorously remarked that racing in Austria might 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 aimed for more than just a 3rd place finish. 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 said, “I was riding using only my arms, and the pressure in the front tyre had risen. I took 2 or 3 laps to catch my breath, and that’s what allowed me to push again when Dani Pedrosa approached.”
Pedrosa indeed gave Bagnaia a run for his money. Bagnaia admitted that securing a podium finish was of utmost importance to him. He elaborated on the challenges he faced during the race, especially when changing direction and braking. Despite the difficulties, he never considered quitting.
When asked about the potential outcome had he been in perfect physical condition, Bagnaia felt that while the race might have unfolded differently, beating Jorge would still have been a challenge.
Addressing the championship battle with Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, Bagnaia made a light-hearted remark, “If Martin gets too close, we will turn off the taps!” He further added that he is looking forward to a good fight with Martin.
The race wasn’t particularly eventful, and Bagnaia attributed this to the introduction of the minimum tyre pressure rule. He expressed his concerns about the rule, stating that it complicates overtaking and doesn’t necessarily enhance safety. He explained, “Just stay 2 or 3 laps behind another rider, and you start to struggle to stop the bike. If you add the effect of the slipstream, you risk crashing into him.”
Michelin’s stance is that riders should manage tyre pressure. Bagnaia, however, believes that they could use more support in this regard. He emphasized that while performance isn’t an issue, safety is paramount.
Regarding the upcoming tests, Bagnaia mentioned that he might rest if there isn’t anything significant to test. He is optimistic about the Indian GP and believes that his physical issues 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 it his all in the upcoming races.