Bagnaia ‘confident’ of Portimao chances, Miller aiming for ‘good result’

Ducati riders Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller are looking to bounce back at Portimao following their first double DNF of the 2021 MotoGP season. 

What could have been a second 1-2 of the year, quickly turned into disappointment at Misano as both riders ed at turn 15. 

But with Bagnaia in especially great form of late – two wins and four consecutive pole positions – first rider to achieve the latter for Ducati since Casey Stoner in 2007, fighting for victory this weekend will be expected after he came from 11th on the grid to finish second in April’s first race at the Algarve International Circuit.  

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Bagnaia added: “It was nice to have a few days off after Misano to recover energy before the last two races of the season. 

“The riders’ championship has been decided, but we have to stay focused: our goal is to get the best result every race weekend, so I arrive in Portimao ready to do well! 

“In the last GP here, I managed to get on the podium even though I started the race quite far back, and this weekend we will try again to fight for the victory. 

“We must try to bring home as many points as possible to achieve the second position in the championship and try to secure the teams’ and constructors’ titles. I am confident that we can do well here in Portugal.”

Miller hasn’t quite had the same rich vein of form as Bagnaia, instead the Australian is without a podium in nine races. 

Miller ed out of the first Portimao race, something he’s hoping to avoid this time around.

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“I’m happy to be back racing in Portugal! The Algarve International Circuit is really an incredible track where I have a lot of fun,” said Miller. 

“Unfortunately, last time that we had a Grand Prix here, I didn’t finish the weekend as we had hoped: after a on the sixth lap of the race, I was forced to retire, so I’m back at Portimao determined to redeem myself and fight for a good result. 

“It’s the penultimate race of the year, and I want to end my season well. 

“We’re still fighting for the manufacturers’ title and the teams’ title, so I’ll do everything I can to help Ducati and the team achieve these two goals.”

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