Bagnaia: Shoulder camera was interesting, but I’d like to not have this

Francesco Bagnaia was in great form yet again during day-one of the Portimao MotoGP, even though 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo got the better of him in both free practices. 

Bagnaia and Quartararo exchanged top spot throughout both FP1 and FP2, however, the Yamaha rider was able to pip the former Moto2 world champion to top spot in the final few seconds on both occasions. 

But even though the Italian had to play second best today, Bagnaia showed enough pace to take the challenge to Quartararo who won April’s early season race at the Algarve International Circuit. 

Ahead of the weekend Bagnaia said he would like an on-track fight with the French rider, feelings he uttered once again in his media debrief.

"Would be nice to continue like this (fighting Quartararo). I enjoyed it. Every time I pushed I saw I was 1st. But when I was back in the box he was overtaking me," added Bagnaia. 

"It was a nice battle. I hope Sunday will be the same. My pace is one of the strongest at the moment. 

"Like Fabio’s. We are the two strongest at this moment. Here in Portimao he won so I would like to have a nice fight with him."

A theme of recent seasons has been that Ducati usually spearheads the introduction of new technology in MotoGP, but Suzuki brought a device to the table today that has not been seen before. 

Alex Rins was wearing a shoulder camera that was attached to his Alpinestars leathers, and while it provided incredible views of the riders’ own view and dashcam, this is something Bagnaia doesn’t want himself due to possibly giving other teams more info. 

Bagnaia said: "It was interesting to see the secret of Suzuki’s bike. I saw their level to use the rear device too. Also the dashboard. It was interesting. 

"I’d like to not have this type of camera though. I don’t want to share anything. But it was nice to see."