Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin really feel there is no such thing as a motive why they need to be “enemies exterior the observe” as they struggle 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 yr, with six-time champion Marc Marquez as an alternative being chosen for the coveted seat alongside Bagnaia.
Whereas the modifications 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 influence 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 along with his championship rival.
“For me it is extremely simple [to maintain harmony with Martin] as a result of I am not the kind of man that wishes to be impolite exterior of the observe after which should be impolite within 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.
“Absolutely, respect is the principle factor and can at all times be like this from my perspective. So I do not perceive why we should be enemies exterior of the observe, not converse to one another and be impolite. I want [it] like this.”
Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing, Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Workforce
Photograph 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 strong basis to their relationship, with the depth of a title struggle 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 have been actually shut pals up to now,” 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 struggle, you noticed on Sunday, it is an incredible battle for historical past.
“Possibly not the final laps, but it surely was superb [overall] after which we are able to talk about it. I believe we each loved it.
“And as he stated, if it is like this sooner or later, for me it is going to be excellent, and I hope it is going to be like this at all times.”
