Bagnaia takes away positives from the French GP: "I was in the rhythm until the last few laps"

The crash was cruel, but Francesco Bagnaia refuses to let it be the sole focus of his weekend at Le Mans. Having secured pole position on Saturday and a strong second place in the Sprint race, he was on a comeback run on Sunday after a poor start. However, his podium hopes were dashed just a few laps from the finish due to a crash.

Without going into detail about the reasons that led him to lose confidence at the handlebars of his Desmosedici GP26, Pecco Bagnaia emphasizes that he has encountered "a problem" here, Like Jerez during the Spanish GP two weeks earlier, it would have deprived him of feeling at the front of his bike. Trying to maintain a high pace to hold his position, the incident then occurred. However, in front of the media present at Le Mans, including AUTOhebdoBagnaia defends himself: "It wasn't related to human error. It's something we're working on, and it can happen. But I want to focus on the positives from the weekend."

The Italian finds this positive in his progress session after session throughout the weekend, and in his ability to fight and overtake in the race, something he had not been able to do in the last rounds on Sunday. "For the first time I was able to push, I was able to fight, I was able to overtake a few riders, so I really enjoyed today. Even though I crashed." He also noted that the rear grip problem that had plagued him during the three previous Sunday races seemed to be under control this time: "I was very confident at the back. I was managing it, so yes, I think I was able to maintain the same pace until the final laps."

A problem understood, a solution in sight

Regarding the recurring technical problem, issue number 63 insists on remaining deliberately discreet about its nature, but expresses sincere confidence in its imminent resolution: "Fortunately, we understood. We understood the problem, we understood the direction, and I'm quite confident for the next Grand Prix, thanks also to the work we did this weekend. We'll find the solution."

Regarding his ability to compete with Jorge Martín – the winner at Le Mans – at the end of the race, Francesco Bagnaia remains clear-headed without undervaluing himself: "I don't think I was at Jorge's level on the last lap, but I was confident enough to stay at the same level and fighting for the podium was a possibility." This honesty contrasts sharply with the frustration evident after his race ended. It remains to be seen whether this weekend was a one-off performance like the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, or if he will be able to capitalize on this significant improvement at the next race, from May 15th to 17th, in Catalonia.

Interview by Luca Bartolomeo, in Le Mans.

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