Francesco Bagnaia celebrates Japan Sprint win but says team 'expect' Pedro Acosta challenge on Sunday

Pedro Acosta crashed out of the Japan MotoGP Sprint race on Saturday, gifting current world champion Francesco Bagnaia the chance to claim a victory in difficult conditions. The Italian described how he dealt with a wet and slippery track, and told TNT Sports that he would not be overlooking a potential challenge from Acosta on Sunday during the full-length race.

Japan MotoGP Sprint race winner Francesco Bagnaia thought his team “worked really well” to help him achieve victory, but he remains wary of Pedro Acosta.

Acosta led for part of the race at the Mobility Resort Motegi track but in slippery conditions he crashed out on the seventh lap, allowing Bagnaia to push on.

The Italian was happy to take advantage of the opportunity, but believes the Spaniard can threaten again in Sunday’s full-length race.

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He told TNT Sports: “It was very difficult to lead today. Pedro was doing a very good job, so when I saw him crash, I thought I should push for two or three laps to open a gap.

“He was pushing a lot, and taking a margin. We have to expect him [to threaten] tomorrow.”

Bagnaia was pleased that he had improved after his third-placed finish in Indonesia in the previous round, as he looks to retain his world title.

‘Finishing first is fantastic’ – Bagnaia reacts after gaining ground in championship battle

Video credit: TNT Sports

He stated: “I think we worked really well, compared to Mandalika. The first day I started struggling and then it was difficult to improve my performance. 

“But at this track, from the start of my weekend, I feel much better. Today, the weather wasn’t easy, having rain and some wet patches, finishing first is fantastic. So I’m very happy.”

There were nervous moments as his lead was whittled down in the final lap of the race, but he explained that changing weather conditions meant that he decided not to risk the same fate as Acosta, who was unable to finish the race.

He added: "I took a risk in the last lap, slowing down too much maybe, but everything was under control, so I’m very happy.

"The last lap, it started to rain a bit and when I saw I was 1.3 seconds ahead in the last lap, I said ‘OK, slow down a bit,’ and everything was OK."

‘From nowhere’ – Acosta crashes out from lead of Japanese GP Sprint

Video credit: TNT Sports

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