All smiles at the end of the qualifying session in Japan, Francesco Bagnaia has just secured his first pole position in MotoGP since the Czech Grand Prix in Brno. Having set the fastest time at Motegi in 1:42.911, he also set a new record for the Japanese track, confirming the return to form observed since the start of the weekend, after a long period of doubt.
Qualifying offered a thrilling scenario. In the final five minutes, Joan Mir, unaccustomed to the front of the field in the fast lap exercise, thought he’d give Honda pole position in front of his home crowd. But the Italian, who hadn’t been seen so high up the order for a long time, came out on top with his final effort. More than the time, it was the feeling he rediscovered on the handlebars that gave the two-time world champion satisfaction.
“The truth is that Marc had already done 1’42 for the first time last year. But his time was not validated because he had touched the green, he says, when asked about his lap record in the Parc Fermé. Anyway, I’m happy. I don’t want to say it too much, but right now, the feeling I have is incredible. I feel like I can attack, that I can do what I want with my bike. That’s what I was missing, so I’m super happy.”
Motegi, the turning point before the end of the season for Bagnaia?
Although this is not his first pole position in 2025, the Ducati rider assures that this time it is more valuable in his eyes. “It’s true that in Brno I had already taken pole this season, but honestly, I didn’t know why I got it. Here, it’s totally different. I pushed hard and I knew it was coming this weekend. I was sure that, given the feeling with my bike, I could do it. It’s fantastic.” He explains.
This result is also that of teamwork praised by the Italian driver. “I want to thank the team who did an incredible job last night to offer me two very similar bike specifications. We started the weekend with the Misano setup, but it was difficult to adapt on both our machines. The team did a fantastic job,” has he said.
After a year of ups and downs, Bagnaia seems to have what it takes to get back into the fight for victory. This Saturday, he could claim victory in the Sprint Championship for the first time this season. Tomorrow, in the race, he will aim to return to the top step of the podium for the first time since the GP of the Americas in Austin.
ALSO READ > Japanese GP – Qualifying: Pecco Bagnaia back on pole ahead of Joan Mir
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