Pecco Stays Up Late Looking for Opportunities in the Japanese MotoGP Series
Francesco Bagnaia flew to Japan carrying a big question mark regarding the behavior of his motorbike which went wild when braking hard. He even stayed up late watching racing videos to look for opportunities for improvement.
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The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Pecco Bergadang Mencari Peluang pada MotoGP Seri Jepang
Ducati racer, Francesco Bagnaia, accelerated his motorcycle in the MotoGP race series in India at the Buddh Circuit in Greater Noida, India, on Sunday (24/9/2023).
MOTEGI, THURSDAY – Francesco Bagnaia will race two motorbikes with different settings in the Japanese series MotoGP practice session, Friday (29/9/2023), to determine the direction of improvements related to braking that will be followed. This obstacle made it very difficult for the factory Ducati team rider at Misano and India, because his driving strength was in late braking. Bagnaia was also willing to stay up late to observe the motorbike's behavior when braking in the races in Barcelona, Misano and India, to unravel this strange problem.
On Monday evening, I stayed awake watching several videos of brake points in the last few races, Buddh, Barcelona, Austria, and Misano. Observing those could facilitate understanding of what's wrong. The only outcome that arises is, in the recent few races, the behavior of the rear tire has been quite unusual. Normally, what happens is a reasonable slippage that I can control, but last weekend the rear tire slipped beyond the limit," said Bagnaia in a press conference at Twin Ring Motegi Circuit, Japan, on Thursday (28/9/2023).
"We understand that, we work on it, thanks to the engineers who collaborate with our team from home. So we decided to do things differently this weekend. We'll start with two different setups, to understand which path to follow. It's clear to us now how to improve that area," continued the racer fondly known as Pecco.
Pecco has started to feel that his rear tire slips more than usual since the race in Misano, and it got worse in India. This condition prevented him from pushing his motorcycle to its maximum potential due to the risk of crashing if he applied hard braking. Pecco could only finish third in Misano, but this was also because of his injured leg from the accident in Barcelona. Then, during the race in India, the problem got worse and even caused Pecco to fall in turn five on the 14th lap.
Rider from the Prima Pramac Racing team, Jorge Martin (kanna), competed against the rider from the Ducati Lenovo team, Francesco Bagnaia, in the MotoGP India series at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Pecco is determined to find a solution to the strange problem so he can compete and win again. If the obstacle is not resolved at Motegi, his position at the top of the standings will become even more precarious.
"The ultimate goal is to find the sensation during braking. I am confident that we will achieve that. My feeling is that, I have performed the same braking but I couldn't stop the motorbike. So, this is quite challenging, because the rear tire doesn't help me during braking," said Pecco.
"Moreover, when I had an accident (in India), the rear tire was in line with the front one. Usually, I could control it. However, last week when I slipped, the entry point of the turn was very unstable and it was difficult to control the motor," emphasized the Italian racer.
Pecco hopes that this weekend he can have a solid race, as the championship competition is getting tighter. Currently, he's only 13 points ahead of Prima Pramac Racing's Jorge Martin in second place, and 44 points ahead of Mooney VR46's Marci Bezzecchi in third. The Ducati trio is predicted to once again compete for the podium, as they did in Misano and India.
Also read: Bagnaia Reveals Causes of Accidents in India
We will begin with two different settings to understand which path will be followed.
Ducati Lenovo racer Francesco Bagnaia celebrates his success in finishing in second place in the sprint race at the MotoGP India series at Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida on Saturday (23/9/2023).
Bagnaia is currently in Motegi as the leader of the standings who is being chased by other riders. This is in contrast to last season, where he was chasing Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo at the top of the standings.
"I am currently in a hurry. There are still 14 races (including sprints). I do not feel any pressure. Last year was more intense because the championship title was not achieved (by Ducati) for 15 years. Now I know for sure, if everything is okay, we can fight for victory. Even in difficult moments, we can still finish in second or third position. We must focus on being perfect, we can always be competitive. So, I am not too worried," said Bagnaia.
Jorge Martin's Threat
The situation experienced by Bagnaia could change if Martin returns to form this weekend and continues to close the gap in points. The Spanish rider is currently in a positive momentum and is optimistic about being solid again in Motegi.
"I need to savor this moment. This is the best moment in my career. I need to strive for good results, win many races, be in front during practice, that's how it is. By savoring the moment, everything else will come," said Martin.
Also read: Marquez's Surprise After 182 Days
The rider of the Prima Pramac Racing team, Jorge Martin, won the Misano MotoGP series at the Marco-Simoncelli Circuit in Misano Adriatico on Sunday (10/9/2023).
"I am very confident in facing this race, because I have the best package that I can have with this motorcycle. I feel very strong, because with the same motorcycle in Barcelona and Misano, the result is the same (getting on the podium). So, this is very important. And, my first podium in Moto2 was also here, so it's important. Last season I also finished in third place, so I'm happy because I've been on the podium twice here, so I'm confident. I think the three of us are in a good moment, and will try to get on the podium again," said Martin.
Competition for the championship title is still open for Bezzecchi. However, he feels that the real competition is between Pecco and Martin, as he has never been close enough to be at the top of the standings. Therefore, he will only enjoy each race, including Motegi which he really likes. He also tries to repeat his brilliant performance in India, where he won with a margin of 8.6 seconds.
"Clearly, we had a positive weekend in India and coming here with a good feeling is always a good thing. I really like this track and it's special to me because it's where I first reached the podium in the world championship (Moto3). I want to give my best here again, especially after last year which wasn't too bad, so we'll see what I can achieve this year," said Bezzecchi.
Bezzecchi's performance is currently becoming more solid as he continues to improve his braking technique, which is key to maximizing the potential of the Desmosedici GP. In India, he reached a new level that allowed him to brake very late and cut down lap times.
Also read: Bezzecchi Liberation Race
Motorcyclist Mooney VR46, Marco Bezzecchi, celebrated his victory in the MotoGP race in India at Buddh Circuit, Greater Noida, India, on Sunday (24/9/2023).
“I have been studying Pecco, Jorge, and other Ducati racers since I joined MotoGP. In my opinion, this is the hardest step and I still have to take other steps to be consistently strong in braking, as there are still some tracks where I am strong, and some tracks where I struggle a little. But in terms of riding style and bike settings, Matteo (Flamigni, head mechanic) does an excellent job, and that makes me comfortable and confident to work hard on braking," said Bezzecchi.
Bezzecchi currently still has another disadvantage compared to factory Ducati and Pramac racers, namely not having a launch device which is very helpful when starting. He hopes to have that tool, so he can start better.
"Obviously I asked for that," said Bezzecchi with a smile.
He then looked at Pecco who smiled, and then made a joke.
"He was jealous because I could be close to him without (PBB), ha, ha, ha. No, I'm kidding," said Bezzecchi, who is a junior to Pecco at the VR46 Academy.
"According to me, the support from Ducati has been very good. Of course, if they have the chance to help me, they will do that. I don't have a factory package, so it's reasonable that I get less compared to them," said Bezzecchi, who uses a Desmosedici GP22.
Regarding the competition for the championship, Bezzecchi admits that he is relaxed in dealing with it, and only focuses on enjoying every race weekend.
"I am very relaxed at the moment, because the real fight between them (Pecco and Martin), I am only close to them, but never close enough. However, if I can get closer, then I will do my best to fight for it. At the moment, I just want to enjoy every weekend, trying to stay close, at least for the next three or four weekends, and then we'll see what happens," Bezzecchi concluded.
