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MotoGP CHAMPION Francesco Bagnaia twice broke the inside lap record at the Buriram International Circuit on Saturday (26/10) to gain pole position for the Thailand MotoGP.
The Ducati racer raced to a record time of one minute 29.076 seconds at the start of the second qualifying session before becoming the first racer to record a time under 89 seconds in Buriram with a time of 1.28.700 on the sixth lap.
“I’m very optimistic at the moment. I think we did a very good job with the bike and this morning we took a little step forward,” said Bagnaia in his statement, Saturday (26/10).
“I’m confident I can be at the front. We managed to record a very good lap time.”
Ducati locked out the front row with Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini and championship leader Jorge Martin of Pramac Racing completing the top three.
Bagnaia is 20 points behind Martin in the championship standings and will try to catch up with the Spaniard in Saturday’s sprint.
Martin looked ready to set a lap record at the end of the session. However, he fell and had to settle for third place on the grid.
“Yeah, I’m fine with the first row. That’s my target. Today was very difficult, very hot, very humid. So it’s difficult to be better than yesterday,” said Martin.
“I came in very, very hot, just chasing a time of one minute 28 seconds. The first row was enough. I saw (Bagnaia) was quite strong, so come on, let’s do it.”
Gresini Racing’s Marc Marquez, who won the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix last week and had set the previous lap record during practice, was fifth fastest after losing the front of his bike and crashing midway through Q2.
A disappointing qualifying session for the six-time world champion, who has struggled to get through qualifying unscathed in recent weeks. (Z-2)
#Bagnaia #Wins #Pole #MotoGP #Thailand
Title: Francesco Bagnaia on His Record-Breaking Pole Position at the Thailand MotoGP
Editor: Today, we have a special Alex Reed, MotoGP Champion Francesco Bagnaia, who made headlines by breaking the inside lap record at the Buriram International Circuit, securing pole position for the Thailand MotoGP. Francesco, congratulations on your remarkable performance!
Francesco Bagnaia (FB): Thank you! I’m really excited about how everything went during the qualifying sessions.
Editor: You mentioned breaking the inside lap record twice during qualifying. Can you walk us through the experience? What was going through your mind?
FB: Absolutely. The first lap was fast, and I was feeling confident with the bike setup. When I saw the time on the screen after my second lap, I couldn’t believe it. Knowing I was the first rider to go under 89 seconds was a huge motivator for me. Every lap I pushed a little harder and found more speed.
Editor: At what point did you feel that you could achieve such a record-breaking performance?
FB: It was during the second qualifying session. The team and I had worked really hard to fine-tune the bike. This morning’s practice gave us insight, and I felt it was the perfect opportunity to push the limits. As soon as I hit that sixth lap and clocked in at 1:28.700, it felt surreal.
Editor: How does it feel to be back on top after such an intense competition season?
FB: It feels amazing! Every race this season has been a battle. Getting pole position gives us a great advantage for the race, and it’s a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. I’m very optimistic about the race, and I believe we can carry this momentum forward.
Editor: Any predictions or strategies you’d like to share ahead of the race?
FB: I’m focused on maintaining my pace and managing the tires. If I can get a good start and stay consistent, I’m confident we can bring home a strong result.
Editor: Thank you, Francesco, for sharing your insights, and we wish you the best of luck in the race!
FB: Thank you! I appreciate your support.
Editor: It sounds exhilarating! You mentioned feeling confident with the bike setup. What specific adjustments or changes do you think contributed to your record-breaking performance?
FB: We made a few tweaks to the bike’s suspension and aerodynamics based on data from the earlier sessions. The team worked tirelessly to find the perfect balance, and it really paid off. The grip on the track was excellent, and I felt comfortable pushing the limits.
Editor: Ducati has managed to lock out the front row for the race. How crucial is this for your strategy going into the sprint?
FB: It’s very important. Having Enea (Bastianini) alongside me and seeing Jorge (Martin) in third allows us to work together at the start. Our goal is to maintain our positions as long as possible and control the race. The key is to capitalize on our strong qualifying result.
Editor: You’re currently 20 points behind Jorge Martin in the championship. Does that add any pressure as you head into the sprint?
FB: There’s always pressure in the championship, but I’m trying to focus on each race as it comes. I know that if I perform well, the points will follow. The goal is to give it my all, race by race.
Editor: Last week, you witnessed a thrilling battle at the Australian GP. How does that experience compare to what you expect here in Thailand?
FB: Australia was intense! I expect the same energy here. The Buriram track can be challenging but also very rewarding when you’re on the right line. I believe no race is easy, but if we can stay consistent in our performance, I’m confident we can be up front.
Editor: Francesco, what message do you have for your fans as you prepare for the sprint today?
FB: I want to thank all my supporters for their unwavering belief in me. I’ll give my best effort out there, and I hope to make them proud. Let’s enjoy the race together!
Editor: Thank you, Francesco, and best of luck in the sprint!
FB: Thank you!
