Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martín are engaged in an intense battle for the MotoGP title, with only 13 points separating them with three rounds remaining. Despite the fierce competition for the ultimate prize, their good relationship off the track remains intact, as both riders assured in a press conference.
When asked if the title fight has any impact on his relationship with Martín, Bagnaia replied that what happens on and off the track needs to be kept separate, and there should always be respect: ‘For me it’s always very important to separate the relationship outside and inside the track. I think on track everything has to be respectful, absolutely, but without thinking that you are a friend or you are close. So, if I need to overtake, I’ll overtake. But outside is quite important to be respectful the same, but with a normal relationship. I think it’s important and I think we are mature enough to understand it’.
Martín answered the same question in a similar way: ‘There is no reason why we wouldn’t speak to each other. We have a really good relationship and as Pecco said we have a lot of respect. Then, on track we will try to win and beat each other, but now everything is OK’.