MotoGP: Barcelona Sprint race winner Francesco Bagnaia says it is ...

ByEurosport

Published 16/11/2024 at 15:45 GMT

The Italian stayed in contention for the 2024 world title with his win, with current championship leader Jorge Martin taking third spot.

The result means that Martin needs a top-nine finish to ensure he wins the championship regardless of Bagnaia’s performance on Sunday.

If Martin fails to finish in the full-length race in Catalonia, then Bagnaia needs to finish in the top two.

After a season where he was off his best form, Bagnaia’s recent improvement had given him an outside chance of glory, and he was happy with getting maximum points.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: "The job is done for today but for tomorrow we need to repeat what we did.

"I think that more than this is impossible.”

The season’s competition has been marked by good sportsmanship between the two riders, and Bagnaia paid tribute to his rival.

He added: “Jorge did again a fantastic job so it's fantastic that this fight is like this.

"Let's see for tomorrow. Today I am very happy."

Victory kept Bagnaia's challenge alive until the final round of the season, but he appeared ready to be disappointed if results do not go his way.

He concluded: “We will do our maximum and what will be will be.”

Watch the finale of the 2024 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and discovery+