Francesco Bagnaia celebrated his eighth MotoGP victory of the season, expressing a firm resolve to keep his championship title. After a successful weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he clinched a total of 37 points, Bagnaia has significantly narrowed the gap to championship leader Jorge Martin, who now holds a mere 10-point lead in the standings.
Reflecting on his triumph, Bagnaia noted, “I want to keep this championship, so I have to focus on recovering points without taking unnecessary risks.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead but felt encouraged by his performance in Motegi. “This weekend was a positive start, and we must use it as a benchmark for our future races,” he added, looking ahead to the next challenge at Phillip Island, a track known to favor Martin as well.
Bagnaia’s dominance in Motegi, however, came with its share of challenges. Early in the race, he found himself under pressure from rookie Pedro Acosta, who eventually crashed out, leaving Martin to pursue Bagnaia closely. “I had to push a bit harder to maintain my lead,” he explained. Although he initially felt secure, the final laps brought heightened tension as Martin began closing the gap. “I managed the situation well, but I was constantly hoping that my lap times would be enough to keep him at bay,” Bagnaia shared.
This latest victory places Bagnaia among an elite group of riders who have secured eight wins in a single MotoGP season, joining the ranks of legends like Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, and Marc Marquez. He reflected on the significance of this achievement, noting, “Historically, only one rider—Lorenzo in 2013—failed to win the title after achieving eight victories in a season. I am optimistic about my chances.” Bagnaia drew parallels to his past success, recalling that his last similar achievement was during his Moto2 championship run in 2018.
Emphasizing his determination, Bagnaia stated, “We must maintain our belief and never give up. I’ll continue to give my best.” He underscored the importance of perseverance in this highly competitive sport, aiming to build on the momentum from his recent victories. With his eyes firmly set on reclaiming the championship title, the road ahead promises to be both thrilling and challenging.