The words of the world champion on the eve of the first race of the year
March 23, 2023
These are the words of I’m sorry Bagnaia on the eve of the first grand prix of 2023. Bagnaia was indicated by everyone as the big favourite.
How are you feeling? You are the big favorite…
“I’m very happy for our championship, a year ago we were in trouble after the tests which went well this year, the new bike is going great. It’s quite clear at the moment that we’re in a better position than the others, but Yamaha has made progress, and Marquez will also be in front.”
How has the bike improved?
“I was lacking a little grip in the corners. This year the engineers worked to give me what was missing. The bike I tested in Valencia immediately seemed good to me and here in Portimao it seemed much better than last year”
Is it difficult to defend the title?
“I remember Marc and Vale’s races that repeated each other, you have to do like them. All the riders will want to steal my number 1 but if we work well we will be able to defend it and we will certainly be there”
Could the arrival of Aeneas be a new rivalry?
“We are both intelligent in understanding that if we work well in the pits we will have results in the race. It was different with Jack but I’ve known Enea for some time and our relationship is good. In the race everyone will do their thing but in practice we can improve together”
On the Sprint race…
“The strategy will change a bit over the weekend, I tried the sprint race and I felt good, but we need a different approach, you have to push like crazy. After 3-4 races we’ll understand better how to work, but it’s a positive change, I like it”
All the riders say you are the favorite, how do you feel?
(laughs, ed) “After the tests it’s clear that we come here to win the race, last year I was the favorite but then I was 91 points behind. I believe that here many will be able to fight for victory. I think everyone’s level will be more understandable at the summer break”
On the current picture of the MotoGP…
“I think it’s good that there is a change, I think the direction is the right one”
How would you describe your driving style?
“Difficult, I brake hard and have a lot of speed entering corners. Last year’s bike moved too much for me. That was the biggest change and now the bike adapts more to my style”
Your favourites…
“MotoE Salvadori, Moreira in Moto3, Vietti in Moto2 and Pecco in MotoGP”
