Bagnaia: ‘I never did a podium, never did a good race’ in Valencia

Winner of three out of the last five races, Francesco Bagnaia comes into the Valencia MotoGP as the pre-weekend favorite, despite a poor record at the Spanish circuit. 

The Ducati rider has never stepped foot on the podium in any class around the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, while his best finish since joining MotoGP is an 11th place which came at last season’s second of two races.  

But with 2021 being a breakthrough season for the Italian - has claimed seven pole positions and three wins, Bagnaia is a firm favorite to clinch a best career finish at the Spanish venue.

Although Bagnaia has previously struggled at Valencia, team-mate Jack Miller has been extremely competitive at MotoGP’s traditional season finale after taking third (2019) and second last season. But with the Desmosedici GP21 arguably being the Italian manufacturers best package in years, a victory could even be possible.   

So while replicating his sensational performance of Portimao might prove difficult - led every lap on his way to victory, Bagnaia is hoping to put a similar weekend together to end the 2021 season.

"I never did a podium and never did a good race here. So I'd like to be able to be fast here," added Bagnaia. 

"It's the last of the season and I'd like to continue this work we're doing, it's a really great job. I’d like to do a weekend like the one in Portimao. 

"From the start I felt great on the bike and improved my bike every session, then in the race we were able to be really fast and consistent. 

"So I’d like to be very competitive here at a track where last year was a disaster. 

"The second race was maybe a bit better but then in 2019, I did a front flip in the pitlane... so I'd like to be competitive!"