MotoGP: Petronas Grand Prix Malaysia Preview – Road Racing World Magazine

The 2024 MotoGP™ campaign is drawing to a close with the 19th round of the title-deciding weekend at the Petronas Grand Prix Malaysia. Ahead of Friday’s kick-off, we got the lowdown on two of the title-contenders, plus their respective team managers previewed what’s on the way.

George Martin (Prima Pramac Racing)
How did you feel knowing you had the chance to become the MotoGP World Champion?
“First of all I want to send all my support to everyone from Spain, Valencia and my country. It’s been a big storm, and there’s been some really bad news from yesterday and today, so I want to send all my support. On my side, I’m fine, I’m sure, and it’s a blessing to be here with Peco, I think it’s crazy to have equal bikes today, and now we’re both fighting again here in the championship after a year. And fighting Peko, an amazing champion. I am confident, I feel good, and I believe in my work. I will fight to the end with everything I have for my team, my people and myself.

Feeling any extra pressure this weekend?
“It’s a great opportunity to be here again, I think last year I was really nervous and scared, we did the same thing in Qatar. I was feeling a lot of pressure, and this year, the pressure is there, but I think I’m more mature, and yesterday, I was able to enjoy this moment. I know I can lose, but I know I can win. I lost the title last year and it didn’t matter so it’s not the end of the world so I’m going to give it 100% this weekend.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)
Do you feel again that this is a must-win weekend to put pressure on George?
“As Jorge said, first, it is important to talk about what is happening in Spain, in Valencia. They are living their worst nightmare, and we must gather together. We know that nothing can be done to help them, but we were faced with a similar situation in Italy last year, and we know exactly what is happening. My best wishes, and I hope to see an improvement in conditions and weather to improve the situation. It’s an important weekend, and we know it’s important to start doing as well as possible, as we did in Thailand. We know what we did wrong on Saturday and we have to try to get more than three points this weekend like last weekend.

Are you as relaxed as you were yesterday, and does this feel different than in years past?
“Kuala Lumpur was different compared to previous years because it was like Qatar on top of the roof. In terms of pressure, it’s always there, but it’s good to be in this kind of situation. I like to be in this situation. It’s true, on the one hand, I have to be fast, but also whatever. I can’t make a mistake. At the moment, George is in a better position in the championship, but I was in the same position last year, and you have to be calm. It’s difficult to be competitive in this situation, but I think we have to enjoy the situation and work as always.

GINO BORSOI (Prima Pramac Racing – Team Manager)
How proud were you, the team, and George, of fighting Peco?
“First of all, I want to send all my thoughts to the community of Valencia, because it is also my place. They are suffering a lot today, and I wish them the best. If I can do something on my side, I will, of course. This is a difficult time for them, so I send them all the best. This is the last part of the season, just like last year. It’s a great opportunity to fight with the factory team again and we will do our best in the last two races to get the best result.

What does it mean for Pramac Racing to end this chapter with Ducati as World Champion?
“It’s been a good season for us. Last year we achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first independent team to win the team title. This year we now have another good chance to win the Riders title and thanks to Ducati that we are in this situation. After all, they gave us all the support and all the tools to always be competitive. So thank you for allowing us to be here again.

Do you see a different George this year, better prepared to handle the pressure?
“I think the pressure will be the same compared to last year, even if you are ahead of Peco and the factory team. I think we have learned a lot from last year and improved a lot compared to last year. We have been able to understand what is missing and what are the main points to fight for the championship. Jorge will improve his mental side. Not only that, but I’m getting better mentally with a mental coach, which is something that anyone in this situation needs to improve because you have to be mentally prepared when the tough times come.

DAVIDE TARDOZZI (DUCATI LENOVO TEAM – TEAM MANAGER)
In a different situation for Peco this year, how confident are you that Peco can turn it around?
“On my side and on the Ducati side, we are very close to Comunidad Valenciana because what happened is very bad. Personally, a year and a half ago, I experienced the same situation in my hometown and near my neighborhood. I know it will be very difficult to clean everything and solve problems. As for Peco, he was obviously much better last year, but I see him as a confident rider and to sit 17 points down on Sunday after winning nine races is hard on the heart. He really trusts; Dorna will decide us because he knows the odds and we will see what happens in the final round. We will try hard to win both races this weekend, and I’m sure George will try the same. We appreciate George’s attitude as he leads the championship, and also as a contender from last year.

How important is Peko’s previous experience?
“I think the last two years, even when he lost the championship to Fabio in 2021, is something that has allowed him to learn to manage the situation. The last two years have proven that he has matured and grown, but unfortunately, he and Jorge have made mistakes throughout the season. In the end, he is the world champion and like Jorge He showed that he was fighting without an incredible knight.

Are there group orders in place?
“We have not talked with NA, he is fighting for third place with Mark, so they are fighting for their place in the championship, and even third is better than fourth.” Currently, there is no group command or discussion about this issue.