Bagnaia: We can be very competitive here, but Honda with Marc will be fastest

Following back-to-back MotoGP wins in Aragon and Misano, there’s no doubt Francesco Bagnaia starts the American grand prix weekend as a firm favourite to make it three victories from three.

The Italian’s stunning effort to hold off Fabio Quartararo in Misano came after a titanic battle with Marc Marquez in Aragon the week before, a race that was arguably the best of the season so far.  

Asked if he’s confident of repeating the success of the last two rounds, Bagnaia added: "A lot because it’s a track I like a lot. I’m always happy to come here to America. 

"I think that our bike will suit very well on this track. I won the last two races and my feeling with the bike has grown a lot. 

"I know that it’s not an easy track. The first sector for us was not easy in past years. 2018 I was feeling not so great with the bike and the movements of the bike with the bumps. 

"But, maybe this year with the new resurface it will be a bit better. I think Yamaha will be fast, but Honda with Marc [Marquez] will be fastest." 

While Bagnaia sees Marquez as the clear favourite, the man he needs to beat is championship leader Quartararo - something he’s done the last two races. 

For that to happen though, being strong in previous weak spots for Ducati such as the twisty sector one at COTA could play a vital role.

"Our bike suits better in all conditions and situations at all tracks, So, this first sector is very similar to the Silverstone one, maybe a bit more difficult but similar," said Bagnaia. 

"We were fast there and I think we can be very competitive here. We need a chance to stay in front so we need to be competitive."