Two-time MotoGP world champion Pecco Bagnaia mentioned he was “simply hoping” that he could be again in type for the Australian Grand Prix, however he would discover out in FP1 after “the primary lap” whether or not that might occur.
The manufacturing unit Ducati rider arrived at Phillip Island with a brand new file low forward of the 2025 Indonesian Grand Prix, however struggled to final practically 30 seconds within the dash and crashed out from final place in the principle race.
It follows his return to profitable methods on the Japanese Grand Prix only a week in the past, which is believed to be the results of his GP25 being fitted with key elements from the GP24, primarily a experience top adjuster.
Pecco Bagnaia mentioned at Mandalika that his bike was “in idea” the identical as at Motegi, however there was no reply to his struggles.
Waiting for the Australian Grand Prix, he believes he can battle for a podium, however admitted he “simply hopes” he by no means repeats his expertise at Mandalika.
“It is a good observe. It is at all times been aggressive right here,” he mentioned Thursday.
“It has by no means been straightforward for me, however the final three seasons I’ve managed to complete on the rostrum.
“So the objective is to get on the rostrum.
“It appears to be fairly windy the previous couple of days so we have to perceive the climate scenario.
“I actually hope we are able to discover the identical feeling we had at Motegi and battle for it. If we do not, it is going to be a troublesome weekend in a scenario like Mandalika.
“I’ve a gathering in an hour, so I am going to work out what to do then.
“The bike was working nicely so I actually hope we are able to bounce again like we did at Motegi.
“In Mandalika, sadly, it was robust as a result of the bike labored in a distinct route and never in an excellent manner, so we simply pray.”
Requested what he anticipated the weekend to be like, he replied: “First lap of FP1.”
He didn’t communicate to the media after his crash on the Indonesian Grand Prix, however Thursday’s Phillip Island race was his first likelihood to grasp what prompted the crash.
He defined: “Sadly, in seasons the place the bike does not carry out like at Mandalika, Misano and Silverstone, you push the bike lots.
“It is pushed in fairly a bit by inertia. It’s important to put extra energy into steering the bike, and also you simply lose it.”
