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Bagnaia and Ducati lifted the mood of Italian fans after the national team's defeat in last night's European Championship. They ended the Grand Chelem at Assen with a picture-perfect race to be remembered as one of the greatest memories for Borgo Panigale. "Last night was really rought. I felt really bad. The way they played, they couldn't show what they could really do. It was a shame. I think that, at least, Ducati and I did well," the world champion smiled. With success, he shortened the distance in the standings from Martin, now with only 10 points.
they couldn't do any better.
"It was definitely a perfect weekend. When you have an exciting race, it's nicer, but it was still great."
Two numbers: 23 wins on the Ducati, like Stoner, 3 consecutive wins at Assen ... the last to do so was Doohan.
"It's not fair to compare me to Casey because he got that number of wins in fewer years than I did. His percentage is higher. As for the three consecutive wins at Assen, it's just great. It's a track I love. It's not the old Assen, but winning here is really important for me."
When you got a tattoo of the Assen circuit, were you thinking about all this?
"I was hoping for it! I've always worked so hard to get where I am now, and I'll continue to do so to achieve even more."
In 2016, you achieved your first Moto3 victory here.
"Assen is one of the most iconic tracks in the World Championship, and it was magical to have won my first race here. I had decided to get a tattoo of this circuit, since it gives me more satisfaction than others. It was my first win, but also Mahindra's."
Another statistic: there have only been Ducatis on the podium for the past five GPs.
"The riders who ride the Desmosedici right now are the strongest on the grid. We improve together because we share data and, when there's this level, everything becomes easier."
What do you think about after a race like this?
"That I have to continue like this, with this approach, trying to bring home as many wins, points, and podiums as possible because it's still long. Martin will always be competitive, and we can't make mistakes."
Like that of being full of yourself?
"Not me. That's impossible because of the way I am. I'm not one to fall into that trap. I don't like people who are full of themselves, so I'm the first not to be so."
Do you remember another weekend like this one?
"In 2018, here in Assen in the Moto2, it was identical, with all the rounds and 4th in the warm up. In terms of results, this is my best weekend in the MotoGP. One that doesn't happen every time. I want to say that I'm very proud of my team, of their work. Everything was perfect."
Is this the high point of your career?
"It's a good moment, but I experienced similar ones in late 2021, mid-2022, and early 2023. I feel fantastic with the bike, and I know my potential. All this gives me motivation."
Pressure as well?
"When you're that fast, everyone says you have to win. You think second place is already a defeat, so you have more pressure. Bur it's not one of those things I worry about. I just think about having fun."
Is the GP24 helping you out?
"It has its pros and cons. For example, here in Assen, I felt better in entering corners but worse in exiting than when I rode the 2023. It's mostly the tires that are helping, especially when it comes to consistency. You don't take off nine tenths and qualifying and thirty seconds in the race just because of the bike. Understanding the new tires was important. in Qatar, in the Sprint, we had some shocking vibrations. It took us a while, but having eight bikes on the track helps find your direction. At that point, I worked on my style, and the team on set up and electronics."
We saw the results on the track.
