- Stokes forecasts spin battle in Pakistan-England decider
- Volvo Cars cuts sales forecast on market headwinds
- South Africa 'shattered' by divorce of rugby star Kolisi
- Putin touts 'multipolar world order' at flagship BRICS summit
- Deutsche Bank profits boosted by legal settlements
- WHO says 'intense bombardment' halts Gaza polio vaccinations
- UK's Starmer plays down Trump team claims of interference
- Son of Singapore's founder granted asylum in UK
- Mehidy, Jaker take Bangladesh into lead over South Africa in Test
- Stocks mixed as rate cut bets are trimmed, US vote in focus
- Seven dead, thousands evacuated as tropical storm batters Philippines
- Pant fit for second Test as Gill gives India selection 'headache'
- S. Korean Olympic shooter Kim keeps cool over newfound fame
- UN chief in Russia for Putin's BRICS summit
- Markets mixed as rate cut bets are trimmed, US vote in focus
- US says 'now is the time' to end Gaza war
- Harris to face voters' queries in crucial Pennsylvania
- Mehidy fifty steers Bangladesh towards parity at 201-6
- King Charles arrives in Samoa, where Commonwealth looks to shed stodgy image
- Ohtani 50-50 baseball sells for record-breaking $4.39 million
- Morikawa says 'winning is tough' ahead of Japan title defence
- New Zealand's Bowes smashes record-breaking 103-ball double ton
- Troubled Boeing faces investors and awaits strike vote
- Indian capital chokes as 'hazardous' air pollution returns
- Thousands flee homes as fierce tropical storm batters Philippines
- Tokyo Metro shares rocket on debut
- Israel says killed Nasrallah's apparent successor in Beirut strike
- Climate change worsened deadly Africa floods, scientists say
- Los Angeles Dodgers baseball icon Fernando Valenzuela dead at 63
- Indian capital's 'hazardous' air pollution season starts
- King Charles visits Samoa, where Commonwealth looks to shed stodgy image
- Cattle disease wreaks havoc in Libya
- Fernando Valenzuela: Iconic pitcher sparked 'Fernandomania'
- Warner offers to come out of retirement for India Test series
- Deyverson double gives Atletico Mineiro upper hand over River Plate
- Taipei says Chinese aircraft carrier group sailed through Taiwan Strait
- LeBron, Bronny James make NBA history with father-son appearance
- Deyverson double gives Atletico upper hand over River Plate
- Tokyo Metro: Asia's oldest subway goes public
- Shiffrin eyes 100 World Cup wins as legend Hirscher returns
- Asian markets mixed as rate cut bets are trimmed; US vote in focus
- From Colombia's jungle to the world's fish tanks
- Celtics dominate Knicks to launch NBA title defense
- North Korean leader Kim inspects missile bases, ballistic weapons
- Harris says US ready for woman president
- King Charles winds up Australia trip, flies to Samoa summit
- Porn stars urge men to vote against Trump
- Judge orders Giuliani to hand over valuables in bankruptcy
- Mourinho reunion a reminder of how little has changed for mediocre Man Utd
- Taiwan says Chinese warships sailing towards sensitive strait
Bagnaia set for more Mugello magic
Defending two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia is relishing the prospect of putting on a show fit for his home fans in this weekend's Italian MotoGP.
The Ducati rider turns up at Mugello fresh from his win in Catalunya, which moved 'Pecco' 39 points behind series leader Jorge Martin.
The revitalised six-time former champion Marc Marquez sits third in the standings, two points behind Bagnaia, who was kicking himself after throwing away victory in last weekend's sprint with a final lap crash when in the lead.
In front of tens of thousands of his adoring tifosi supporters, Bagnaia is the man to beat for this seventh round of the season at a circuit where he has emerged victorious in the past two years.
"Mugello is a circuit I adore with all the fans there," said the 27-year-old Italian.
"With its heavy braking and long straights it's a track that suits my riding style and my bike really well," the Turin-born Bagnaia told Thursday's press conference.
Spain's Martin is eager to press home his standings advantage on his Ducati Pramac satellite bike.
"This is a very important weekend for me and the team so I really want to concentrate on the race," he said ahead of discussions next week on whether he moves up to the factory Ducati next season.
Marquez is evidently having the time of his life this season since leaving Honda for Ducati's Gresini outfit.
The Catalan has finished on the podium in the past three races.
But he knows if he is to mount a sustained challenge for the title and even a first race win since 2021, he must improve his qualifying performances.
"I still have to better understand my bike to know what I have to do on my fast laps in qualifying.
"I have to work on my style and with my team we have an idea where I need to improve."
Looking at this year's title battle, Martin believes it's between him, Bagnaia and Marquez.
"The championship still has a long way to go but I think it'll be the three of us fighting for it to the end of the year.
"Each of us have strong points and areas where we could improve."
Marquez commented: "For me, I've got nothing to lose. We'll see if I can keep up my speed and my performance but it's already an honour to be almost as quick as these two riders."
F.Dubois--AMWN