Bagnaia before the Austrian GP: “We were lucky in the last two races”

Having struggled since the start of the season despite a bike that remains as efficient as ever, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) finally saw the tide turn during the last two rounds, at Assen and Silverstone. But the Italian driver knows that the races will not always be able to take place as was the case previously, while these main competitors have experienced some difficulties. As the Austrian Grand Prix approaches, Francesco Bagnaia is expecting a fiercer battle, and still remains hopeful for the championship.

Still 49 points behind Quartararo

Despite his four victories on the clock since the start of the season – more than any other driver on the grid – Francesco Bagnaia only has 131 points, before the Austrian Grand Prix. The fault lies in a still too large number of abandonments, and in the consistency of the two drivers in front – Espargaro and Quarterly. However, after the last two Grands Prix, the Italian seems to be back in the game, although the gap which separates him from his opponents is still significant.

“I will give my best, as usual, during this race. But I know we were pretty lucky in the last two races because my main competitors had some problems. It won't always be like this. I gained a lot of points in the last two races, but only because I was lucky. »

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If he draws inspiration from his second part of last season, the Ducati rider still has every chance of fighting for the title, notably against the French world champion. But there are now two major challenges facing Bagnaia, starting with consistency, a parameter which he is currently lacking. And more importantly, it is not one, but two drivers that he must face this season, with the (surprise) presence of Aleix Espargaro, always present at the forefront

“We will see, of course that the races which are coming are favorable to me, but I must first think about this weekend, and all the sessions which are coming. For the moment, it's Aleix [Espargaro] who is closest to Fabio [Quartararo], so we need to focus on both drivers. »

Time is running out for Bagnaia, as he now only has eight events left to catch up. If the rain risks making things more delicate this weekend at Spielberg, it is nevertheless a track where the qualities of the Ducati will be put to use, and it would not displease him. Response to the end of the Austrian Grand Prix, the start of which is scheduled for 14 p.m. this Sunday.