Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin really feel there is no such thing as a cause why they need to be “enemies outdoors the observe” as they combat for the 2024 MotoGP title.
For a second season in a row, Bagnaia and Martin have been in a category of their very own in MotoGP, with their championship battle set to culminate in subsequent week’s Barcelona finale.
Their rivalry has taken place in opposition to the backdrop of Pramac rider Martin being snubbed for a promotion to the manufacturing unit Ducati group subsequent 12 months, with six-time champion Marc Marquez as a substitute being chosen for the coveted seat alongside Bagnaia.
Whereas the adjustments instigated by Ducati made Martin lose religion within the Borgo Panigale marque and forge a brand new profession path with Aprilia from 2025, he hasn’t allowed that call to have any impression on his relationship with Bagnaia.
The Italian, too, has returned the favour, with each repeatedly emphasising the respect they’ve for one another as rivals.
Talking once more concerning the matter after participating in an epic early battle for victory within the Malaysian GP, Bagnaia reiterated his intention to keep up a cordial relationship together with his championship rival.
“For me it is vitally simple [to maintain harmony with Martin] as a result of I am not the kind of man that wishes to be impolite outdoors of the observe after which must be impolite inside the observe or to be aggressive – pushing out and being the one that does not respect rivals,” he stated.
“I’ve by no means been like this and I’ll by no means be like this. If in case Jorge will begin to do it, I’ll change, however Jorge is kind of the identical as me.
“Certainly, respect is the principle factor and can all the time be like this from my perspective. So I do not perceive why we must be enemies outdoors of the observe, not converse to one another and be impolite. I choose [it] like this.”
Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing, Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Crew
Picture by: Dorna
Each Martin and Bagnaia raced for Aspar Mahindra in Moto3 again in 2015 and have been part of the grand prix paddock ever since.
That helped set up a stable basis to their relationship, with the depth of a title combat not sufficient to place a dent within the respect they’ve for one another on and off the observe.
“We [have] identified one another since 2015. We had been actually shut associates previously,” Martin stated. “Now we not have that relationship however we’re good to one another.
“As he stated, it is no sense to [be enemies]. We are able to combat, you noticed on Sunday, it is a tremendous battle for historical past.
“Perhaps not the final laps, nevertheless it was superb [overall] after which we are able to discuss it. I believe we each loved it.
“And as he stated, if it is like this sooner or later, for me will probably be good, and I hope will probably be like this all the time.”
