P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Francesco Bagnaia will have his first chance to clinch the 2023 MotoGP title in Qatar on Sunday.
Italian MotoGP rider Francesco Bagnaia currently leads the championship by 14 points heading into the penultimate round. Although it is likely that the championship will be decided in the final round in Valencia, there is still a mathematical chance for Bagnaia to secure the title in Qatar if he extends his lead to at least 37 points. The maximum number of points available at each round is now 37, with 12 points for winning the Saturday Sprint and 25 points for winning the main Grand Prix. Bagnaia would need to outscore his closest competitor, Jorge Martin, by 23 points over the two races in Lusail. However, Bagnaia acknowledges that it is not solely in his hands and his focus this weekend is to “increase the gap” in the standings. Additionally, Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini is also a contender after his first MotoGP win in Sepang last Sunday. Bastianini is excited to return to Qatar, where he has been competitive in the past and won his first MotoGP race last year. He is determined to try and repeat his success again this weekend.
