2024 MotoGP Championship: Martin and Bagnaia Gear Up for a Two-Way Title Showdown Amidst Marquez and Bastianini’s Setbacks

Marquez and Bastianini potentially exiting the MotoGP championship battle? Martin and Bagnaia offer their thoughts…

"I'll keep them in mind until the numbers say it's not possible anymore. However…"

Is the race for the 2024 MotoGP world championship now a head-to-head battle between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia as the final five rounds approach?

On Thursday in Motegi, Japan, the leaders vying for the championship, with the Pramac rider holding a 21-point advantage, were asked that very question.

Enea Bastianini and Marc Marquez were considered potential challengers until the Mandalika race last Sunday. Unfortunately, a significant crash and an engine malfunction caused them to fall behind by 75 and 78 points from the leader.

With only 185 points remaining in contention, they would require both Martin and Bagnaia to experience unfortunate circumstances.

In a season where Martin and Bagnaia have collectively failed to score points in 11 out of 30 races, even more unusual events have occurred.

"Mandalika proved to be a very eventful weekend," Martin commented. "After my crash on Saturday and with Enea and Marc unable to continue on Sunday, it was quite dramatic. I've felt for quite a while now that the championship battle will be between Pecco and myself."

"There are still five races remaining, so they still have an opportunity. If anyone can achieve it, they can. However, I believe it's quite challenging right now."

"It seems to me that the focus is primarily on Pecco and myself."

"It's an honor for me to compete against a champion like Pecco, as well as Marc and the incredible racer Enea. We'll see how things unfold."

"I believe they have opportunities, although it's certainly challenging for them."

Bagnaia, who secured his second MotoGP championship in a thrilling final race against Martin in Valencia last season, concurred.

"Since the beginning of the season, Jorge and I have consistently stood out from the others," stated Bagnaia. "It's a fact that until Enea and Marc are mathematically out of the running for the championship, we must still take them into account."

Jorge and I are fully aware of how simple it is to make an error or get into an accident this season. It's a situation that can shift rapidly.

"I'll keep them in mind until it's mathematically ruled out. However, it's clear that since the midpoint of the season, it's been us two at the forefront, dominating both the races and the practice sessions."

"In my opinion, things will stay the same until we reach Valencia."

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