Portimao MotoGP Grand Prix: Riders' Expectations and Insights

A track that pleases, suitable for duels and overtaking. The MotoGP Grand Prix in Portimao, Portugal, promises to be spectacular, according to the riders of the two-wheeled Circus, and in particular the world champion Francesco Bagnaia. "I love this track," emphasizes the Ducati rider, "it's one of my favorites. I find it a mix between Mugello and Sachsenring. It's a good track for dueling. Overtaking is never simple, but this track is good for overtaking. The rider can make more of a difference with his feeling and it is definitely one of the most difficult." From the desire to put on a show to the desire to confirm himself as the dominator of the championship: "I am confident," states the Ducati world champion, "with the GP24 we will be even more competitive than last year this weekend. In Qatar, it wasn't the same situation as last year, we had some problems on the first day. We weren't able to work in a normal way, I believe that the bike's power delivery can make a difference on the track, but less so here compared to other circuits." Then Bagnaia also talks about his future with Ducati, on a Thursday of press conferences where there was already talk of the riders' market and young promises. "From my point of view," explains the world champion, "the renewal was something we wanted. The pressure is the same, because you always want to win. Not having to talk about the future allows you to focus better on driving." The young Aldeguer in Ducati? "Fermin," says Bagnaia, "is one of the fastest riders of the new generation. Last year he did extraordinary things, he impressed me a lot in qualifying at Phillip Island. I think if he and his entourage can keep calm and grow step by step, he has the potential to be strong." Several riders at Portimao expressed their thoughts on the market, starting with the former world champion Fabio Quartararo: "A decision on my future soon." And then the other Ducati rider Enea Bastianini, back on a circuit that has given him unforgettable joys (the Moto2 title in 2020) but also pains, like last year's injury following the accident with Marini in the first corners of the Sprint: "It's bad to get hurt right at the first race, now I hope to start a new chapter." Then on the market and the future: "It's being talked about," admits the 'Beast', "normal to be active. However, I'm at a stage where I prefer to focus on myself and on the track."