Francesco Bagnaiatwo-time Ducati world champion, participated in the Thursday press conference of the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera, the fourth stage of the 2024 MotoGP world calendar. Below are his statements.
Portimao and Austin difficulties
“I'm always happy to race in Jerez, it's one of my favorite weekends for the public, track and weather. I think we can be as competitive as we have been in the last two years. We currently have some issues that are slowing us down a bit, but after Austin we understood some things and I'm confident in a step forward. Jerez is one of the first tracks where I raced in the Spanish championship, it was one of those where I dreamed of racing when I was young. We're talking about one of my favorite circuits.”
Unknown weather and chatter
“Fresh? I don't know, Michele Pirro tested here not too long ago and didn't complain about the chattering. It seems like there could be a lot of grip, not like in Qatar, and our bike appreciates the grip and can adapt well. The chatter? Nothing can be done, wait until it ends. I am more vibrations at the rear, perhaps coming from the new rear tyre. The point is to try to avoid it with less top speed or by doing different things.”
MotoGP improvements in 2024
“The bikes are improving a lot, small details make big differences. And the new tires are much better performing and this was already noticeable in the pre-season tests. More grip means more safety. The speed is increasing, but we are improving the escape routes.”
An opinion on Acosta
“Maybe it enters corners differently, with more speed. It seems to me to make a difference at the entrance, stands straighter and carries more speed. Then he manages the tires well, he's good, he's not lucky.”
The Aprilia
“Rivola says they are the best? Even Gigi will say the same about Ducati. It seems that in Aprilia have found a good balance, lots of grip, more than top speed.”
Feeling with the Ducati GP24
“Ups and downs, Qatar 10, Portimao and Austin 6. We have some margin and work to do, but I have full faith in my team and we all know that by working together we can get back to our level, it's just a matter of time. Jerez test? They have reduced our concessions and Michele Pirro can't do the job he used to. Already during the race weekend we try different things, in Monday's test we have a lot of things to try because our situation isn't the best and we have to improve.”
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