Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia began the MotoGP weekend at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit with an impressive start, despite facing setup issues that initially disrupted his rhythm. The Ducati Lenovo Team rider described Friday as one of his best practice sessions of the season, even as he contended with technical adjustments that didn’t perform as expected. With just 20 points separating him from his closest rival, Jorge Martin, Bagnaia knows each session is crucial as the championship race heats up. Nonetheless, his fourth-place finish behind teammates and fierce competitors demonstrates his resilience in a high-stakes environment.
Bagnaia’s struggles on Friday stemmed from setup changes aimed at refining his performance but ultimately proved challenging. “I felt comfortable in the morning session, but the afternoon changes threw me off balance,” he shared. Adapting to his second bike’s new setup proved difficult, preventing him from finding the pace he needed. Despite these hurdles, Bagnaia showed determination, maintaining his focus and relying on a previous setup that allowed him to regain speed and confidence during his time attack.
A significant aspect of Bagnaia’s day was his success with braking—a challenge many riders encounter at the Buriram circuit. Confident in his braking ability, Bagnaia noted that it wasn’t a primary concern for him, though he acknowledged some minor areas for improvement in specific sectors. “I can brake very hard,” he affirmed, mentioning only minor slowdowns in a couple of corners. His strength in braking could prove advantageous as he looks to close the gap in the standings.
Throughout the day, Bagnaia emphasized his steady approach to the championship pressure, treating this weekend as he would any other. “This weekend feels like any other race,” he said, focusing on refining his setup without being overtaken by the pressure of the title race. He remains open to minor adjustments, yet his calm mindset is a key asset in navigating the intense competition.
As the season reaches its peak, Bagnaia’s adaptability and composed approach may serve him well. With his confidence intact and the Buriram track proving favorable for his skillset, Bagnaia’s progress on Friday could be the momentum he needs as he closes in on Martin in this exciting MotoGP championship.