This Friday, August 27, 2021, Pecco Bagnaia answered questions from journalists from the Silverstone circuit, at the end of the first day of the British Grand Prix.
We went to listen (via teleconference software) to the words of the Italian driver, author of the sixth fastest time today.
As usual, we report here the words of Pecco Bagnaia without the slightest formatting.
Pecco, how was your day?
I am very happy with this first day, we worked very well. This morning I encountered some difficulties with the grip at the rear of my machine, but this afternoon the team made some adjustments and it helped me a lot. I am also certain that tomorrow we will be able to make a new leap forward. »
Are you surprised by the pace displayed by Jorge Martín so far?
Everyone knows that Jorge is a good driver, so it's ultimately natural that he is as fast as that. I expected him to be fast on this track, as his driving style suits such tracks well. I was sure he would be fast from the start here. »
Do you think he could be a contender for victory again on Sunday?
" It's possible. This circuit is very similar to what you would find in sector 3 in Austria, and this is where Jorge was very fast. He may not make as big a difference compared to the other Ducati riders, but he remains very competitive. When we look at his data, we realize that he is doing a very good job, especially with the tires. As for his pace, it's something that remains difficult to assess at the moment, because the conditions are really cool. Some attacked more, others less. »
You always seem to get more out of your bike when racing. Is this something you prepare in advance during free practice?
« The only thing you can try to do in free practice is stay behind someone and try to overtake them, but in racing it's always different because you have to manage the tires. You have to manage the rear tire in particular to be able to overtake. What I really liked today was that I was able to do a lot of overtaking, and in various places, during free practice. I also think that it is easier to overtake a slower driver than you here. Sometimes it's more difficult, like at the Sachsenring. But in the race it will be a different story. »
Does your ability to defend your race position make the qualifying session less important?
« No, qualifications are everything. Ideally, you should not qualify beyond the second row. »
The conditions were very windy today, and in the past the Ducatis have often been very sensitive to these kinds of conditions. Did this cause you any problems today?
« It really depends on the circuit. It's true that today there was a lot of wind, but in the end I didn't really feel it on this track. On other tracks such as Mugello or even Qatar it's something you feel more. But here it's not a real problem, except maybe in turn 12, because you put more pressure on the front and it's easier to crash. »
MotoGP British Grand Prix FP2 results:
