The time is certainly not for demobilization at Ducati despite the fact that the riders' title challenge has been lost. Because there is still that of the manufacturers and the ranking of the teams to conquer. Pecco Bagnaia will be keen to offer these accessits to his employer, flanked by Jack Miller who understood the message received to do better to convince that he deserves a red suit...
The two factory drivers Ducati will find on their way a fabio quartararo who has such a strong intention to bring back under its canopy Yamaha the last trophies at stake. The standoff promises to be intense since Franco Morbidelli, on the other official M1, should continue to gain momentum as his knee recovers from his operation.
The game will take place over two successive weekends at Portimao and Valencia and it is the Portugal which opens the ball this weekend: “ having a few days off after the Misano race was really useful to be able to recover the right energy to face the last two consecutive races of the season " said bagnaia. " The Drivers' Championship has been awarded, but we must stay focused : our goal remains to always be able to obtain the maximum result during each race weekend, so I arrive in Portimão full of energy and determined to do well! ».
« In the last Grand Prix held here, I managed to get on the podium despite a bad start in the race and this weekend we will try to fight for victory again. We must try to bring home as many points as possible, both to confirm second position in the championship, but also to try to secure the teams' and constructors' titles. I am optimistic and confident that I can do well here in Portugal ».
These are two important objectives for Ducati
For his part, the teammate Jack Miller perfectly understood his employers meant that he was not convincing with his 149 points taken and his current fifth place in the championship. The other pilots of the clan Ducati are eyeing his position, so he will have to roll up his sleeves… “ I'm happy to be back in Portugal » he said. “ The Autodromo do Algarve is truly an incredible track where I always have a lot of fun! Unfortunately, the last time we had a Grand Prix here, I wasn't able to finish the weekend as we hoped: after a crash on the sixth lap of the race, I was forced to retire, so I return to Portimão determined to redeem myself and fight for a good result ! ».
He finishes : " it's the penultimate race of the year and I want to end my season on a positive note. Also, we are still fighting for the constructors' and teams' title. I will therefore do everything to help Ducati and the team achieve these two important objectives. ». Ducati is currently at the top of the manufacturer rankings MotoGP ahead of Yamaha and KTM, but second behind Yamaha in the teams standings.
