The Motorcycling World Championship is facing an atypical end of the season. Just as Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is facing an unusual context. Despite this, the concepts MotoGP™ and Circuit fit perfectly together, as the link between the track and the championship is something historical and special. Joining efforts and resources for the people affected by the flash flood in Valencia through the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, the World Championship will be decided this weekend and, in terms of sport, the outlook could not be more interesting.
Today, Thursday of the Solidarity GP, all eyes have already turned to the two main protagonists: Jorge Martín and Pecco Bagnaia. Consistency and victories. The promise and the two-time MotoGP™ champion. With a day full of media commitments, the two contenders for the crown appeared at a press conference to share their feelings and thoughts ahead of a decisive weekend. Despite being aware that in a few hours the next world champion could be known, both were very calm and hopeful.
Jorge Martín said he was “very happy to be duelling again with Pecco for the championship”. He added that he is “confident and looking forward to getting on the bike to enjoy it”. The Spaniard did want to highlight a difference with respect to the end of 2023: “last year I was thinking about making history, about the title, and this time I am focused on what is in my hand, which is to deliver a good weekend and be competitive”, he added.
Pecco Bagnaia, for his part, acknowledged the obstacles he faces this weekend, although he believes he has the antidote to minimise them, as the Circuit is a track he is good at. “The Circuit is a challenging and demanding track, and it is quite easy to make mistakes. But I am happy to race here, I like it and I am good at managing tyre degradation, especially the front tyres”, said the Italian.
The points difference between the riders is 24 in favour of Jorge Martin. This is a difficult amount to make up in a single weekend, but not impossible. If Jorge Martin wins Saturday’s sprint race, he would automatically be champion with a third place for the Italian. If Pecco does not score any points on Saturday, Martin would have enough with an eighth place to secure the title.
Although comparisons are odious, Bagnaia has openly shared his thoughts on the situation he is going through. “Jorge has had a fantastic season; I have made more mistakes than him and I would even say I have had some bad luck. If you want to be champion, you have to be more regular, like Jorge has been. In terms of results, it’s clear that we did a better job”, said the reigning world champion. And Bagnaia is not wrong, as he has 10 victories to his name on Sunday compared to Martín’s three.
Attendees will also have the added incentive of the fight for third place in the World Championship. With local hero Marc Márquez in that position by just one point, the Catalan will have to fend off Enea Bastianini if he is to please his home crowd. Continuing with the attractions, Aleix Espargaró, who announced his intention to retire at the end of the season during the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya de MotoGP™, will have the opportunity to bid farewell to his sporting career at home, surrounded by the fans. In addition, Moto2™ and Moto3™ will provide the same thrill as always, with Ai Ogura and David Alonso already showing off their respective championship titles.
Solidarity tickets
Part of the proceeds obtained from the tickets of the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona will go directly to the aid funds for Valencia, so fans who come to the Circuit during the weekend know that their contribution will help the recovery of all the people affected by the flash flood. With an overwhelming response from the public, the Circuit is very close to hang the ‘sold-out’ sign. That is the reason why it encourages all fans to buy the last available tickets at www.circuitcat.com.
The Circuit reaffirms its commitment to sustainability
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is getting ready to host the KISS (Keep It Shiny and Sustainable) programme by FIM Ride Green, organising a series of actions with the collaboration of Dorna and within the framework of its sustainability management based on the 3Cs ‘Conscience, Commitment and Coherence’, in order to raise awareness and sensitise all stakeholders to respect the environment.
The Barcelona track will have a Sustainability Meeting Point, located behind Grandstand G (open Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). It will also make use of 100% certified renewable energy to support the electricity supply and will offer km0 and organic food. In addition, fans will be able to find drinking water fountains in the public areas and in the paddock. The commitment to sustainable mobility will continue thanks to a special public transport programme, as well as to zero waste, using the circular economy, recycling waste and donating surplus food.
Access to the Circuit
Access to the Circuit will be possible through any of its gates from 7 a.m. on Friday, from 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and from 7 a.m. on Sunday. All box offices (except box office 5) will be open as well with the same opening hours as the gates. Cars will have to show their parking ticket to be able to park at the Circuit car park. This ticket can be purchased at the Circuit website. Motorbikes can park free of charge in car parks H1 and H3.
