MotoGP | GP Qatar Day 1: Francesco Bagnaia, “Ducati perfect, now it's my turn”

Ducati MotoGP 2021 GP Qatar – Excellent start in Qatar for Francesco Bagnaia, who will face his first race as an official Ducati rider on Sunday.

The #63 of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer in fact achieved the second fastest time behind his theme-mate Jack Miller and without a yellow flag displayed on the last lap he could have been the fastest. Here's what he said "Pecco".

Statements by Francesco Bagnaia GP Qatar MotoGP 2021

“I am very happy with my performance. Compared to the other bikes we have an advantage in one part of the track, where we gain and other points where we lose something, we are therefore very close, but we must admit that closing the gap on the straight is an advantage. We started off on the right foot, we had done well in the tests and today too I felt good on the bike. This morning we went fast straight away, even though we had some problems with the medium tire and I even risked crashing. Fortunately the race should be done on the soft tire. This afternoon, without the yellow flag, I could have still gone down and I believe that tomorrow we can reach the minute and 52 mark. It will be essential to do well in FP4 and have a good qualifying that will allow me to start from the front."

Statements by Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati box climate and relationship with Miller GP Qatar MotoGP 2021

“Today Jack managed to 'trick me', once he returned to the garage he told me that he had seen me do the time-attack and understood that I was having fun. In the garage there is a serene climate, a climate that I needed, it's nice that it is like this, that there is this fresh air."

Statements Francesco Bagnaia setting GP Qatar MotoGP 2021

“I told my mechanics not to touch anything for the next two races, the bike is perfect like this, I'm comfortable with everything and I know that now I can make the difference. I'm calm."