Francesco Bagnaia Surpasses Marc Marquez’s Pace in Qatar GP Practice

Francesco Bagnaia surpassed Marc Marquez’s pace in the Qatar GP practice, marking his best performance of the season. His confidence surged following a recent win, indicating a competitive rivalry in the Ducati team. Despite competition from others, Bagnaia believes he is close to the top, suggesting an exciting season ahead.

Francesco Bagnaia has shown promising progress, surpassing Marc Marquez’s pace during the Qatar Grand Prix practice sessions. While initially overshadowed by his Ducati teammate, Bagnaia’s recent victory at the Americas GP has propelled his confidence as he begins the season. After performing strongly on Friday, Bagnaia noted that he is “very close” to matching Marquez’s speed, emphasizing his improved rhythm in Qatar compared to previous races.

Bagnaia’s performance on Friday was his best of the season, propelling him directly into Q2 after previously struggling to reach the top 10 in earlier races. The psychological advantage is significant as he finished slightly faster than Marquez during Practice. Although Marquez had outperformed Bagnaia earlier that day, the latter’s rising confidence hinted at his potential to contend fiercely throughout the season.

The competitive atmosphere in the Ducati team suggests the possibility of a duel for dominance, especially with Gresini Ducati’s Alex Marquez leading the championship. Bagnaia expressed optimism at the end of the practice, stating, “I think we are very close to the fastest,” highlighting the strength of the factory Ducatis in Qatar.

Despite Franco Morbidelli (VR46 Ducati) surpassing both Bagnaia and Marquez in the overall standings, both factory riders exhibited strong form without using softer tyres for their final runs. Bagnaia acknowledged, “It’s difficult to understand and analyse [our] pace because today we had to try the tyres,” indicating that they were still able to perform well without fully pushing their limits.

Bagnaia’s earlier win, though aided by Marquez’s crash, indicates the potential for future contests between the two. Marquez, recognizing his less dominant record in Qatar, noted the opportunity for Bagnaia, stating, “It’s the first circuit [this year] where, theoretically, Alex and Pecco are better than me.” This sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the season, with both riders capable of exceptional performances.

Francesco Bagnaia’s recent progress in Qatar GP practice showcases his potential to compete closely with Marc Marquez, marking a significant shift in momentum for the Ducati rider. With his recent win enhancing his confidence and showcasing improved speed, the stage is set for an intense rivalry as the season unfolds. As both Bagnaia and Marquez prepare for upcoming races, the future appears promising for the Ducati team.

Original Source: www.motorsport.com