BAGNAIA TARGETS A TOP-SEVEN FIGHT AT MOTEGI

Pecco Bagnaia heads to Motegi encouraged by a circuit that has suited him before, but he is keeping expectations measured as he looks to address Ducati’s grip problems.

The two-time MotoGP champion arrives after finishing sixth and seventh at Spielberg. He has won three Sunday races at the Austrian venue, which rewards strong braking. “It’s a good track for me – fortunately, I’m very good at braking, and in Austria you simply have to brake hard,” he said.

Motegi also offers a favourable layout for the Ducati rider. Bagnaia won both the sprint and the Grand Prix there last year, when he felt able to ride at his best. “I had a fantastic feeling – I was at 100 percent and could fully use my riding style,” he recalled.

This year, however, the Japanese circuit has been resurfaced, and Bagnaia’s Desmosedici has struggled with rear grip. He said every season brings different circumstances, so he is not drawing conclusions from last year’s success. Still, the venue holds a special appeal: “I love the track, I love the people, I love the culture – that always gives me good vibes.”

Bagnaia said the immediate task is to understand how the new asphalt and tyre differences affect the bike, and whether the surface can help resolve the grip issue. His realistic target is to fight around the top seven. Motegi’s heavy braking zones could also help reduce the gap to rivals compared with other circuits.

“I hope to get off to a good start tomorrow and have a good feeling,” he said.