Pecco Bagnaia is approaching the Thai GP weekend with a mix of optimism and caution as he prepares to take on rival Jorge Martin. Racing for Ducati Lenovo, Bagnaia knows that each race is crucial in closing the gap in the MotoGP World Championship. Though determined, Bagnaia faces the challenge of fine-tuning his bike setup amid a few unexpected hurdles that have already impacted his performance. Despite these setbacks, he remains focused on making the necessary adjustments before race day.
Friday’s practice session started well for Bagnaia, but a mechanical issue with one of his bikes disrupted his momentum. Reflecting on the day, he noted, “I had a great start this morning, but a minor issue with one bike slowed me down.” Working against the clock, he adapted his setup quickly, managing a solid time attack lap by the end of the session, although he admits it was not flawless. His evaluation of the session was generally positive, but he recognizes there’s still work to be done to get the bike in top form.
Throughout the practice, Bagnaia experimented with multiple adjustments to improve his performance. Towards the final lap, a new setup provided some improvement, though he believes more tweaks are needed. He mentioned, “We made a small change that helped, but the lap was still not ideal.” Nevertheless, these changes have given him confidence that he’s making progress, putting him in a stronger position for the weekend’s races.
Bagnaia is also closely monitoring Martin’s performance and acknowledges his rival’s readiness. While analyzing his own strengths and areas to improve, he remarked, “I see myself as strong, but Martin had a quieter session and is clearly prepared with all tire options. He’s worked hard and seems fully ready for the race, so tomorrow will reveal more.” This awareness of Martin’s preparation is a key factor for Bagnaia, as he remains determined to push forward with his setup.
One of the critical areas Bagnaia aims to refine is his performance in Turn 4 and the third sector. He admitted that while he can brake aggressively, he loses some speed in these areas, particularly in the third sector. Despite these challenges, his calm demeanor and strategic focus reflect his commitment to competing at his best. As he fine-tunes his approach, both fans and competitors are eagerly watching to see if he can leverage the Chang Circuit’s layout to suit his bold, aggressive racing style and keep his championship hopes alive.