The 2024 MotoGP season has been filled with unexpected twists, but none was more concerning for fans than the near-disaster involving Francesco Bagnaia during the Mandalika Sprint Race. The race, held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Indonesia, was a crucial part of the championship battle, and Marco Bezzecchi, who had a front-row seat to the incident, shed light on what almost led to the catastrophe.
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP world champion and one of the frontrunners for the 2024 title, was aiming to solidify his position with a strong performance at Mandalika. However, a sequence of events during the sprint race nearly derailed his weekend and championship aspirations. Marco Bezzecchi, Bagnaia’s fellow Italian rider and a competitor for the VR46 team, explained that the problem stemmed from a tire issue that significantly affected Bagnaia’s handling during the race.
According to Bezzecchi, Bagnaia struggled with front tire grip throughout the race, making it difficult for him to maintain his pace and corner smoothly. This issue became more pronounced as the race progressed, causing Bagnaia to lose control on several occasions, which could have easily resulted in a crash. Bezzecchi, who was riding close behind, noted that he saw Bagnaia’s rear tire slipping unpredictably, particularly during acceleration out of turns.
Bezzecchi explained that the extreme heat and humidity at Mandalika may have exacerbated the tire issue, as the track conditions were far from ideal. These factors made it challenging for many riders to find consistent grip, but Bagnaia’s situation was particularly precarious. A crash at that moment could have been disastrous for his championship hopes, especially with rivals like Jorge Martín and Bezzecchi himself closing in on the title race.
Fortunately, Bagnaia managed to maintain his composure and avoid a crash, finishing the sprint race without incident. However, his performance was far from his best, and the near disaster served as a stark reminder of the fine margins in MotoGP racing. Bezzecchi highlighted the unpredictability of tire performance in such challenging conditions and the importance of managing these variables during a race.
Ultimately, Bagnaia’s close call at Mandalika underscores the razor-thin line between success and failure in MotoGP. With the championship still very much in play, Bagnaia’s ability to overcome these obstacles could be key to securing his second consecutive title. As Bezzecchi suggested, luck played a role, but it was Bagnaia’s experience and skill that prevented a potential disaster on that fateful day.