Francesco Bagnaia took self-belief to new level gaining 2nd podium in MotoGP at Misano after 5 weeks recovery from leg fracture during FP1 at Czech GP in Brno.
Remarkable as that seems, question surrounds how does a rider who had couple of major set-backs this season come out to race with such clear vision on what was possible on race-day?
Facts have dictated definitive set of circumstances from which Pecco had to navigate- first being mechanical issue which took the Italian out of maiden podium when placed 2nd at Jerez GP, second was crash in FP1 at Czech GP, Brno which resulted in fracture of right tibia on August 9th.
Damn would be reasonable response, how long am I out would be next, then how do I get back into race-body-mind set to start on the grid in Misano, September 13th?
If there is feeling of where Bagnaia positions how to reach each goal, it is one step at a time. Surrounded by key personal together with mentor/role model Vale within VR46 Academy, the Satellite Ducati rider (Pramac Racing) edged into sessions on Friday, picking up signals on how far he could push without registering undue amounts of pain from his leg.
Pecco: ‘”When I saw on Friday I was fast I was not thinking of a podium but maybe a top ten, and then this morning in warm-up I was very competitive, so I tried to push. The feeling on my bike was the same as Jerez, so I was very happy that everything was coming more easily than I was expecting”‘.
‘”One week ago I was not expecting a podium or a second row in qualifying”‘. Courtesy: autosport.com.
Expectation is fine thing, setting bar high for mental tenacity to reach, yet the reverse provides pressure which can stifle performance. Not surprising, MotoGP winner Franco Morbidelli relies on same mantra.
Morbidelli: ‘”I have always dreamt of a MotoGP win, but I have never been obsessed with it. I have always looked at the next step to take and this weekend was the victory. I focused on every little detail to prepare for the race and once I started I felt good. I was fluid and consistent, a beautiful feeling”‘. Courtesy gpone.com.
If self-belief remains pivotal to what a rider can achieve against extreme odds, Bagnaia and Morbidelli can rest easy knowing that their symbol of ‘all hail self-made 9x MotoGP Champion’ Valentino Rossi, provides the perfect example on what the philosophy can do for a rider’s career.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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