Bagnaia Reflects on Challenges in Mandalika: Fun Races, Tough Championship

Bagnaia Reflects on Challenges in Mandalika: Fun Races, Tough Championship

Francesco Bagnaia’s experience at the Mandalika Grand Prix was a mix of enjoyment and frustration. While he relished the close battles on track, he recognized that his performance could have cost him valuable points in the championship standings. As the two-time MotoGP champion prepares for the final five rounds of the 2024 season, he faces mounting pressure to close the gap to championship leader Jorge Martin.

Bagnaia’s insights reveal a significant challenge with the new Ducati GP24. He noted that during the early laps of a race, the bike struggles for rear grip when competing in a pack. “For me, when you are in front, you can

compensate for the lack of rear grip in the braking,” he explained. “But if you are behind, you can’t push like you want, and the rear tire is maybe not ready.” This issue means that if Bagnaia doesn’t secure a good start, he risks losing momentum in the crucial opening laps.

Despite these challenges, Bagnaia displayed resilience. “After five laps, I was back on my pace and I was strong; I just missed the first five laps.” His ability to recover and find speed later in the race underscores his potential but highlights the importance of a strong start moving forward.

In Indonesia, Bagnaia found himself embroiled in a fierce battle with friends and fellow riders Marco Bezzecchi and Franco Morbidelli. While he enjoyed the competitive spirit, he acknowledged the negative impact on his race pace.

“I enjoyed it in the moment, but it was not good for the Championship,” he said, reflecting on how being stuck behind his peers affected his overall strategy.

The competitive nature of the race saw Bagnaia closely following Bezzecchi, waiting for an opportunity to pass. “I watched Bezz and Franky a lot in corner 10.

Every time I tried to get close to Bezzecchi, his acceleration was huge,” he recounted. Eventually, he managed to overtake Bezzecchi after a mistake, followed by a last-lap move on Morbidelli. “It was a lot of fun, but for the Championship, not so good.”

As Bagnaia looks ahead to the remainder of the season, the focus will be on refining his starts and maximizing his performance in the early laps. With just 21 points separating him from Martin, the upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether he can reclaim the lead in the standings. Balancing competitive enjoyment with the pressing demands of the championship will be key as he navigates the final stretch of the season.