Image copyright: Getty Images
2024 MotoGP World Championship
2024 Barcelona Grand Prix
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Montmelo, Spain
Sunday, 17 November 2024
Ducati Lenovo Team's Francesco Bagnaia has warned title rival Jorge Martin that nerves could lead to errors as their championship showdown reaches its conclusion at the Barcelona Grand Prix on Sunday, November 17.
Martin is the favourite to win his first MotoGP crown as he holds a 24-point lead over the reigning two-time world champion with just 37 on offer in Montmelo.
Bagnaia kept his title hopes alive after winning the Malaysian Grand Prix ahead of the Spaniard, who triumphed in the sprint to extend his lead in the rider's standings.
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
The Italian, who crashed out on lap 2 in the sprint, has won 10 of the 19 races in 2024 and will be hoping to carry his fine form over into the season finale.
'Pecco' claims that Martin will be feeling the pressure to succeed on home soil and he'll keep pushing the championship leader into making potential mistakes.
Image copyright: Getty Images
"For Jorge, it will be tough because it's the first time he is fighting for a championship in MotoGP," Bagnaia told TNT Sport.
"So, I know the feeling and I think he will try to do the maximum, but sometimes nerves can make you more aggressive and make errors.
"So, right now the only thing that I need is to continue pushing, continue trying to win and hoping.
"We know how strong I was in Barcelona in June, but it will be tricky for the conditions because I think it will be very cold and easy to do some mistakes.
"So, it will be important to remain calm, try to avoid any mistakes, try to win both races and continue this way. It's the only way possible to try to win."
2024 Malaysian Grand Prix results:
Winner: Francesco Bagnaia - Ducati Lenovo Team
Second Place: Jorge Martin - Prima Pramac Racing
Third Place: Enea Bastianini - Ducati Lenovo Team
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