Francesco Bagnaia, the present MotoGP champion, expressed his enthusiasm for main the championship and embracing the strain, as he faces stiff competitors from Jorge Martin within the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang Sunday.
Italian rider Bagnaia leads the standings with 389 factors, whereas Martin carefully trails with 376 factors after securing a vital fourth win in Thailand final month.
Bagnaia, driving for Ducati, welcomed the problem of defending his title on the circuit the place he clinched his maiden MotoGP championship final yr.
“It’s a pleasure to have this kind of pressure as we are fighting for the title. Without pressure, perhaps you don’t care too much. I think pressure is normal; it’s great fuel in my point of view,” Bagnaia mentioned.
“We have to use it to improve and feel the anger of being a champion again.”
Martin, who ensured the championship stays tight by profitable in Thailand, is raring to settle unfinished business at Sepang after a crash final yr whereas main the pack.
“I could have made it last year, but unfortunately, it did not happen because of the crash. I think with the new asphalt we can improve because the bounce is less and the turns are faster. I am looking forward to this race,” he mentioned.
Martin, with seven dash race victories this season, remained cautious when requested about the opportunity of being teammates with Bagnaia subsequent yr.
“I cannot say a lot. I would be proud to continue with Pramac, but if Ducati wants me to join with the red bike, I would be happy too,” he mentioned.
Martin, who ready for the race by holidaying in Bali, Indonesia, emphasised the necessity to acclimatize to the steamy circumstances in Malaysia, the place temperatures are forecasted to achieve 33 levels Celsius (91 Fahrenheit), coupled with the specter of tropical thunderstorms.
The Sepang International Circuit close to Kuala Lumpur, which used to host Formula One, provides loads of alternatives for high-speed racing and overtaking.
The motion kicks off on Friday with follow, adopted by extra follow, qualifying, and a 10-lap dash race on Saturday.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
