Francesco Bagnaia is not overly concerned by the 20-point gap to Jorge Martin in the MotoGP World Championship.
With three rounds left in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, Francesco Bagnaia needs to catch Jorge Martin if he wants to retain his MotoGP crown.
Bagnaia is currently 20 points behind Martin but he insists that it is 'not a huge gap' in modern MotoGP. However, last weekend Bagnaia was unable to lay a glove on Martin in the Australian Grand Prix. The Italian had to settle for a fourth and second-place finish in the Sprint Race and Grand Prix. Whereas, Martin won the Sprint Race and finished the Grand Prix in second.
If the Thai Grand Prix goes in Martin's favour then the #89 could clinch the MotoGP title in Malaysia. But Bagnaia still doesn't believe his 20-point disadvantage is a problem.
"It’s different," Bagnaia stated on Thursday at the Chang International Circuit. "Three years ago, two years ago when you were arriving at three races to go with 20 points it was more critical than right now where every weekend you can take 12 points more. So, it’s a bit different. It’s like we are seeing: it’s easy to gain a lot and lose a lot.
“So, three years ago it was different and right now 20 points is not a huge gap. But in any case, it’s 20 points and I have to gain. If you want to win you have to do something more.”
“I feel like the same as always. It’s the fourth season in a row that I am fighting for the championship.
“It’s true that in 2021 I lost it with three races to go, and in the last two seasons I was always behind or in front. So, for me the strategy is the same, so preparing the weekend well. The pressure is the same being the leader or the hunter; it’s the risk that changes a bit. But I think I will do it in the same way like always.”
