Pecco Bagnaia is not particularly enthusiastic about racing at the Sachsenring. The track layout doesn’t seem to favor the characteristics of his Ducati, but it seems that the problem is more related to the fact that the rider just doesn’t like this track. Pecco openly admits this when speaking to reports ahead of the race weekendwho is fully aware of the most difficult challenge yet of this year 2021.
The Italian doesn’t seem bothered, however, and tries to see the glass half full just to claim something that risks putting everything in a different light. He does that when he speaks of Marc Marquez, who, according to the Ducati rider, no longer suffers from the problems that have conditioned him so far on the bike.
“I believe Marquez is the favorite“Said Bagnaia dryly. “He was quick in Barcelona. He was quick in the tests, and he’s physically at his bestso he’ll go quickly. “
A Marquez in top form on his favorite track. A combination that makes this Sachsenring the most difficult stage of the world championship.
“This is without a doubt the most difficult route for me and for Ducati. I don’t like this route. It’s hard for me to be quick here. In 2017 I was on the podium in Moto2 and was fast again in 2018. I know what it takes to be quick here, but it’s not easy for me. Tire management is complicated. You can’t overheat them. In any case, I am confident that I can have a good weekend here. “
Are you or the bike the biggest problem?
“This is the worst route for me. We always adapt the bike. I have to adapt here. To be honest, I don’t like it that much. I have to change something in my opinion. I am convinced that I will immediately like the bike, but I think I still have to work on it a little.
You said you know what it takes to be here fast. What does that mean?
“It’s simple math. Here you have to drive a lot of speed when entering and then accelerate a bit when exiting in order to avoid overheating of the tires. “
It seems that of all Ducati riders, you suffer the least from the Desmosedici’s original problem, namely the ability to close corners. Do you have a technique that is different from everyone else?
“I don’t know what I’m doing differently than the other drivers, but I know that I brake harder than the others. When I step into the corner, I’m already in perfect line. I don’t have to slide at the back. I think that’s the biggest difference to other Ducati riders. I lean the bike hard when braking, others do it differently. Among other things, it’s a technique that doesn’t work in the rain. Here it would be better to drive in dry conditions. “
Forcada paid you a compliment. They don’t give points, but they will teach you.
“Forcada’s words please. To hear certain things from a technician who has had a lot of drivers who were all very strong is absolutely great and I’m happy to have heard them. “