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2023 MotoGP World Championship
2023 Valencian Community Grand Prix
Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Cheste, Spain
Sunday, 26 November 2023
Ducati Lenovo Team's Francesco Bagnaia would do well to play it safe in the final race of the
2023 MotoGP season at the Valencian Community Grand Prix on Sunday, November 26.
The defending world champion holds 21-point lead over Prima Pramac Racing's Jorge Martin going into the title decider in Cheste after claiming his sixth successive podium finish in the Qatar Grand Prix.
Bagnaia started second on the grid but overtook Mooney VR46 Racing Team's Luca Marini as they entered turn 1 and led until lap 20 when Gresini Racing's Fabio Di Giannantonio passed him.
Image copyright: Getty Images
The Italian attempted the regain the lead one lap later and almost lost his bike as he went off the track before recovering to finish 2.734 seconds behind Di Giannantonio in P2.
With Martin having lost more ground on his title rival after only managing P10 in Lusail, Bagnaia won't want to take a similar risk on the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
The 26-year-old found himself in much the same situation last year when he headed to Valencia 23 points clear of Fabio Quartararo, although he revealed he is more concerned about the weather than the pressure on his shoulders.
"Honestly the best way to race and not be affected by the pressure is just thinking in doing the maximum, just focusing on doing the best race possible," Bagnaia said.
"Honestly last year I suffered a lot in Valencia, even if I was with a 23-point gap. So I think I will arrive in Valencia more or less in the same situation, but already prepared to what will happen.
"The thing is scaring or worrying me more at the moment is the weather, because at the end of November in Valencia you never know what will happen. But fingers crossed and let's see."
2023 Qatar Grand Prix results:
Winner: Fabio Di Giannantonio - Gresini Racing
Second Place: Francesco Bagnaia - Ducati Lenovo Team
Third Place: Luca Marini - Mooney VR46 Racing Team
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