Francesco Bagnaia is unfazed by his 20-𓃲point deficit to Jorge Martin in the 2024 MotoGP championship standings as that is “not a huge gap” anymore.

After finishing third behiꦫnd Martin last weekend in Australia, the latter has been able to open out a 20-point advantage over Bagnaia with three rounds remaining beginning with the Thai Grand Prix.

Depending on how the Buriram weekend plays out, with last year’s Thai GP being one of the Pramac rider’s stronge⭕st rounds of the year, Martin could go to Malaysia next week with his first opportunity to win the 2024 title.

But Bagnaia - who closed down a 91-point deficit 𒊎to win the 2022 championship - doesn’t see his current 20-point gap as being a problem in the moꦜdern sprint era.

“It’s different,” he began when asked about being the chaser in the standing🐓s on Thursday at Buriram.

“Tꦰhree years ago, two years ago when you were arriving three races to go with 20 points it was more critical than right now where every we🍌ekend you can take 12 points more.

“So, it’s a bit different. It’s li🌊ke we are seeing: it’s easy t💖o gain a lot, lose a lot.

“So🦂, three years ago it was different and right now 20 points ♎is not a huge gap.

“But in any case, it’s 20 points and I have to gꦕain. If you want to win you have to do something more.”

He added: “I feel like thওe same as always. I𒆙t’s the fourth season in a row that I am fighting for the championship.

“⭕It’s true that in 2021 I lost it with three races to go, and in the last two seasons I was always behind or in front.

“So, for me the strategy is the same, so prep🤡aring the weekend well.

“The pressure is the same being the leader or 𓃲the hunter; it’s the risk that changes a bit. But I think I ജwill do it in the same way like always.”

Looking ahead to a crucial Thai GP, Martin said: “Well, for sure I’m happy that I’m still battlin🍌g for this championship.

“I’m in a good momeဣnt, we came from Indonesia, Japan and Australia that were all really, really good.

“Australia was really good. I wanted to wi🏅n but 🌌it was really difficult. I’m confident for this race.

“For sure it will be really hot, really difficult. I think both Marc and Pecco wi𒆙ll be really strong. So, I think it will be a really tough weekend.”