Francesco Bagnaia discusses his 2024 MotoGP title fight with Jorge Martin as the Championship arrives in Japan.

There are five rounds left of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship and 21 points separate the top two in the title fight. The 2023 MotoGP title fighters, Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin are fighting for the title once again in 2024.

Before the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend Bagnaia was asked about whether it would be a two-horse race for the rest of 2024:

"From the start of the season more or less we have been the difference between the rest," Bagnaia stated. "It is true that mathematically Enea (Bastianini) and Marc (Marquez) can become Champions so we have to consider them. We know better than anybody else how easy it is to make a mistake and have a crash this season.

"The Championship is something that can change quickly so I will consider them until it is mathematically impossible. It is also true that we (Bagnaia and Jorge Martin) have been the two leading the races and sessions, and I believe it will stay like this until Valencia."

"It is a continuation, not a rematch, a continuation from last season"

Bagnaia was then asked about his title rival Martin and his desire to take the #1 plate from Bagnaia. The Italian and Spaniard fought against each other in 2023, but this time the roles are switched as Martin is the title leader and Bagnaia is in second place.

Bagnaia stated: "It looks exactly the same but from the opposite sides! I think it is nice to have a battle with Jorge (Martin) again. We have always had fair battles, fair fights and fair respect between us so I think it will be the same situation this season. It is nice to be fighting again like this, it would be nice to have a battle between us before the end of the season. It is a continuation, not a rematch, a continuation from last season and I feel that the better one will win.

"2024 has been a tough season in terms of mistakes for both of us, but Jorge (Martin) has been more consistent. For us, we need to take a step forward for the next couple of races in terms of performance. We have been missing something across the last races but I am very happy to be here and fighting to the end with Jorge."