For Pecco Bagnaia, the vacations will start soon and the last day of work put him in a good mood. He liked the GP25, the prototype of next season's new bike, and the collaboration with Marc Marquez, his new teammate, also went in the right direction. While the disappointment of losing the title may not have been fully metabolized yet, at least the future looks bright.
"I've always envied those who had three or four bikes in the box, in Malaysia we'll add another one! - jokes Bagnaia about the amount of Desmosedicis available in the Barcelona test - I must say it was a positive day because we tried everything there was to try and above all it is quite clear what the engineers will have to focus on in the winter.
In addition, Marc and I had the same sensations and this definitely makes a difference for what will be the course of the work. I am happy because when a new bike starts at a good level it is always positive, it means it was born well and has potential."
Did Marquez ask you for advice?
"Advice no (laughs). But our comments are very overlapping, the requests are the same. This speeds up the work because we are looking for the same things. I'm not surprised because we have two different riding styles but in braking we are very similar. We are two riders who attach a lot to the brakes, who put them under a lot of stress, so we were having the same feelings."
What are you looking for?
"There is still work to be done, because in some aspects I still prefer the GP24, especially in corner entry and braking. That needs work on that, while in terms of speed and stability the GP25 is already at a good point. I liked the chassis and I liked the engine as well: they did a good job. We already have a pretty good base. If I had to race tomorrow, clearly I would use the GP24, but the potential of the new bike is good."
Do you expect more improvements for the Sepang test in February?
"The difference from the 2024 bike is already quite big, and I don't think there will be a big step forward for Malaysia. We've already done that, now we just have to adapt."
Dall'Igna said yesterday that he did not expect a big step forward between the 2024 and 2025 bikes.
"I hope not, otherwise there would be no difference because the GP23 and GP24 were also very similar. Already today, testing the new bike I felt a lot of difference."
Have you tried Brembo's new brake calipers?
"For me they are a good step forward, I liked them. The more I have something that helps me brake hard, the happier I am."
Michelin said no one used the new front.
"I didn't know about it, I would have tried it. Maybe they wouldn't tell me, and I think I know why. With three bikes in the box, it would have been complicated to try even a new tire."
Instead, they convinced you to try the radio communication system....
"Yes, but it's not ready yet. It's annoying, I don't like it, it's very bulky, the connecting cable is very big and it could also be dangerous. Also, it didn't work, I couldn't hear anything and it disturbed me. Until it is ready, I will not use it."
Was doing these tests in Barcelona instead of Valencia good?
"This track is better in more than one aspect. There are long straights, it has little grip, the layout is better, whereas Valencia is a very particular circuit and is not particularly helpful when you have to test a new bike."
Is not being world champion different?
"I have to admit that testing without being world champion allows you to focus more on the bike. When you come in after winning, you are definitely happier, but less focused."
On Sunday, after the race, you removed the number 1 from the fairing of your Ducati with your own hands.
"I wanted to take it off myself and not let someone else do it. I had put the number 1 on that fairing and it was right for me to take it off."
Have you gotten over the frustration yet?
"I'm not the type to get frustrated, I know why I lost and I don't want to make excuses. I had already accepted it after Malaysia, with a 24-point disadvantage it was hard to think I could win against Jorge. Yesterday I went to Barcelona for lunch, to a restaurant by the sea, then I started walking, I must have done about 10 kilometers ... that helped me."
What are the plans for the winter?
"I'm someone who never makes any plans. Obviously for the honeymoon we had to, but in general no, I will enjoy it. I'll have other things to think about outside of motorcycles and that's okay."
The fans in Barcelona greeted you with a long applause when you entered the pit for the last time.
"I'm very happy about that, it makes me happy. In my opinion we sent a good message to the people this year, we created a rivalry a little bit different from the ones that were there before, and in my opinion it was a good show from the beginning to the end, especially in the last part of the season. You can be aggressive and you can fight on the track without doing it off as well. In my opinion it was good."
