Pecco Bagnaia he spoke on Thursday about India, in the press conference organized as usual the day before taking to the track. The championship leader has a 36-point advantage over his first rival Jorge Martin.
And right on Bagnaia-Martin rivalry some interesting ideas emerged from this interview. The two were partners in Moto3 with Mahindra, the Indian manufacturer.
On the arrival in India and the new track…
“I had no problems with the visa and this is already a victory, thanks to the team’s organisation. I walked two laps of the track, the layout is interesting and different from other tracks, it could be a beautiful place. Tomorrow will be important try the track on a motorbike. I did a lap with the safety commission and they tried to explain the whole circuit to me a bit and they say it’s fine”
On the past at Mahindra…
“If we consider the riders who passed through Mahindra, we see that they went on to do incredible things, it’s an excellent school, the level of the bike was excellent but perhaps it lacked a bit of power. I’m very proud to have been part of the Mahindra family”
On recovering from injury…
“Monday after the race in Misano was a difficult day, I was tired, but we worked a lot to get here at 100%, but it takes time, I tried to prepare and I’m certainly in better shape than in Misano”
On Morbidelli’s move to Pramac…
“He deserves this chance, the last few years at Yamaha have not been good, also due to an injury. Everyone knows his potential, so we can also talk about the bike. I’m happy for Franco, we’ll have the same bike in preparation too and it will be fun”
On the relationship with Martin…
“In Mahindra in Moto3 our relationship was strange, we slept in the same room, we played Play, we always respected each other, it is the basis of our relationship. The fight will always be hard but fair”
About India and the high number of motorbikes on the streets…
“It’s incredible that there are no Indian riders, a bit like in Thailand and Indonesia, there are lots of bikes around, lots of enthusiasts… maybe it’s the right time to develop some local riders”
Martin’s words on his relationship with Bagnaia
Per completeness here are also Martin’s words on his relationship and rivalry with Bagnaia.
On winning in Misano, Italy…
“It was important, when Pecco won in Jerez… at your home, it’s important. It’s a plus to have won in Italy, it was the first time. Then winning there where everyone trains was important.”
On the relationship with Bagnaia…
“When we were together in Moto3 I didn’t think we would fight for the MotoGP world championship, I learned a lot from him, he was faster. In those years there was always respect and an excellent relationship between us”
