RACER Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) climbed the highest MotoGP podium at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, Sunday (3/11/2024).
The fight for the 2024 world title between Bagnaia and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) is getting hotter and will be resolved in the final series.
In this main race, Bagnaia was 3.141 seconds ahead of Martin who finished in second place. The final podium was filled by Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo) with a difference of 10.484 seconds from the race leader.
Bagnaia, who started the race from pole position, is already under pressure from his toughest competitors this season. It didn’t take long for Martin to immediately seize the leading position from the first lap.
The two racers fought for the leading position and put pressure on each other. Bagnaia, who tends to race more safely, chooses to be consistent in speed while occasionally chasing narrowly.
The two-time world champion again claimed pole position after recording the fastest lap and was temporarily 2 seconds ahead of Martin entering the fifth lap.
With 9 laps remaining, Bagnaia is still leading while Martin is in second place. The time difference between the two is getting smaller and smaller, below 2 seconds.
When there was only one lap remaining, Bagnaia could not be shaken from the leading position. He also successfully finished in first position after the checkered flag was raised.
The victory left Bagnaia only 24 points adrift of standings leader Martin.
Bagnaia is the racer with 10 main race wins in the 2024 season, 28 MotoGP wins and 50th podium in this premier racing class.
Meanwhile, the top 10 in the Malaysian GP are Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing), Pedro Acosta (GASGAS Tech3), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha), Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing), Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha), Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46), Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Tech3).
On the other hand, the 2024 MotoGP final round previously planned in Valencia this month was still canceled due to the impact of the devastating floods that hit the area. New dates and information will be announced by MotoGP soon. (Ant/P-3)
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**Interview with Francesco Bagnaia on His Malaysian MotoGP Pole Position**
**Interviewer:** Francesco, congratulations on securing pole position at the Malaysian MotoGP! How does it feel to be at the top of the grid ahead of such a crucial race?
**Francesco Bagnaia:** Thank you! It feels fantastic. Securing pole in such a competitive environment like this is always a highlight. It really sets the tone for the race and gives us a good advantage.
**Interviewer:** The battle for the title with Jorge Martin seems to be intensifying. How do you feel about this rivalry heading into the final series?
**Francesco Bagnaia:** Jorge and I have been pushing each other all season, and it’s definitely heating up. Every race is crucial now, and it’s an exhilarating feeling to be part of this fight. I respect his skills, but I also know that I have to keep my focus and consistency to secure the title.
**Interviewer:** The race was intense, especially in the early laps when Jorge took the lead. Can you describe those moments?
**Francesco Bagnaia:** It was definitely a challenge. Having Jorge ahead forced me to rethink my strategy. I decided to stay consistent and not take unnecessary risks. It’s important to find that balance between pushing for the lead and riding smartly to maintain your pace.
**Interviewer:** You finished well clear of the second-place finisher. What does that victory mean for your confidence going into the next races?
**Francesco Bagnaia:** Winning by a significant margin is a great confidence booster. It shows that when I stick to my plan and maintain my pace, I can outperform my competitors. Now, I just need to keep this momentum going into the final races.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, any thoughts on how the cancellation of the Valencia MotoGP could affect championship dynamics?
**Francesco Bagnaia:** It’s unfortunate, but the situation is out of our control. We have to adapt and focus on the races we can participate in. Every point counts now, so I’ll be focusing on giving my best in the remaining opportunities.
**Interviewer:** Thanks for your time, Francesco! Good luck with the rest of the season.
**Francesco Bagnaia:** Thank you! I appreciate it.
