Francesco Banjaya is not worried about the minus 20 points compared to Jorge Martin in the MotoGP championship table, because, as he says, it is no longer “a big difference”.
After finishing third behind Martin last weekend in Australia, the Spaniard managed to build a 20-point lead over Banjaya with three rounds to go-
Depending on how the weekend goes at Buriram, where Martin dominated last year, the Pramac team driver could go to Malaysia next week with his first chance to win the title.
But Banjaya – who closed a 91-point deficit to win the 2022 championship – does not see his current 20-point gap as a problem in the modern sprint era.
“It’s different”he began when asked if he would chase Martin on Buriram.
“Two, three years ago it was more critical than now when you can take 12 points more every weekend.”
“So, three years ago it was different, and now 20 points is not a big difference.”
“But anyway, it’s 20 points and I have to catch up. If you want to win, you have to do something more.”
“I feel the same as always. This is the fourth season in a row that I am fighting for the title.”
“It is true that in 2021 I lost three races to the end, and in the last two seasons I knew how to be ahead and behind.”
“So for me the strategy is the same, so I prepare well for the weekend.”
“The pressure is the same to be a leader or a hunter; it’s a risk that changes a little. But I think I’ll do it the same way I always have.”
Looking ahead to Thailand’s crucial Grand Prix, Martin said: “Well, I’m certainly happy to still be fighting for the title.”
“I’m in a good moment, we came from Indonesia, Japan and Australia and they were all very, very good.”
“Australia was really good. I wanted to win, but it was really difficult. I have a lot of confidence before Thailand.”
“For sure it’s going to be really hot, really tough. I think both Mark and Peko will be extremely strong. So I think it’s going to be a really tough weekend.”
Source: www.moto-berza.com
