Factory Ducati’s star rider, Francesco Bagnaia, is in the spotlight as he prepares for an exhilarating weekend at the Mugello circuit in Tuscany. After achieving a commendable third-place finish in the recent Aragon MotoGP, Bagnaia finds himself contemplating a pivotal change in his equipment for the upcoming race. The discussion revolves around his use of larger 355mm brake discs—an upgrade that significantly contributed to his performance in Aragon. Although Bagnaia had high hopes of continuing with these larger discs, he now faces uncertainties due to the anticipated hot weather conditions at Mugello.
In his own words, Bagnaia shared insights with TNT Sports regarding the situation. He emphasized the advantages of the larger discs in aiding his braking performance on the demanding Aragon track. “I think the larger discs [took us] a good step forward,” Bagnaia remarked, noting the track-specific benefits. However, he is cautious as he reflects on the unique characteristics of the Mugello track, which may not favor the larger discs. According to him, the ideal temperature for the brake discs should not be too high; otherwise, there is a risk of reduced braking efficiency, leading to potentially dangerous situations on the track.
Bagnaia stated, “I think we will use the smaller one,” indicating his inclination towards a more conservative approach. “Let’s see if we can do something. I really hope we don’t have the same feeling as we had in the last races and I will try to be competitive like I know I can be here.” With three successive victories at Mugello under his belt, Bagnaia’s confidence in his capabilities on this track remains strong. However, he is acutely aware of the formidable competition posed by championship leader and Ducati teammate, Marc Marquez, whom he acknowledged as the “man to beat” in Italy.
Reflecting on the upcoming race weekend, Bagnaia expressed his optimism. “I think it’s a very good weekend for us because it’s the Mugello GP. I know everything [about the track] perfectly. I know that I’m competitive here,” he enthused. While he felt an uptick in performance in Aragon, Bagnaia recognizes Marquez’s current level of competitiveness as a serious challenge. “We just need to improve during the weekend to try and at least fight for a win,” he reiterated, clearly focused on the task at hand.
The significance of the Mugello race extends beyond just personal performance for Bagnaia. He understands that his familiarity with this track, along with the Assen circuit, is crucial for gauging the true potential of his Ducati bike. “Knowing these two tracks perfectly and knowing that I am competitive in these two tracks is a good place to understand the potential of our bike,” he stated thoughtfully. He recognizes that if he cannot harness his competitive edge at Mugello, it could spell trouble for his aspirations in the championship race.
As the weekend looms, Bagnaia’s determination to deliver a strong performance is evident. The strategic choice of brake discs, coupled with his extensive knowledge of the Mugello track, could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the race. Fans and followers can look forward to watching the thrilling spectacle of MotoGP live on TNT Sports and discovery+, as Bagnaia aims to reclaim his position at the forefront and battle for yet another victory.
