After Phillip Island, I really couldn’t wait to get back on track.

We hadn’t been able to race on Sunday in Australia, and after a weekend where we’d shown we could be competitive, I was even more eager to race again.

And Sepang is a track I really like.

It’s a fantastic circuit, long, with some big braking zones and corners where you have to be really precise. And then there’s the incredible heat, with humidity that really puts you to the test.

So, not exactly a walk in the park.

We knew it was going to be a tough weekend, but we wanted to build on the work we’d done in the last few races and try to fight at the front once again.

We got off to a good start on Friday.

Second in FP1 and sixth in Practice, going straight through to Q2.

Compared to last year, when we really struggled here, the feeling was much better. I felt comfortable on the bike, especially with our race pace, although there were still a few things to sort out. Particularly over a single lap, where just a few tenths can make a big difference.

On Saturday, we qualified fifth on the grid.

Not bad, but I knew that getting a good start and staying with the front group would be important if I wanted a strong Sprint.

Then, of course, the weather decided to get involved.

We started on a dry track, but halfway through the race it began to rain. And when that happens, with slick tyres and the asphalt getting wet, it’s not exactly the most enjoyable situation.

You have to figure out how hard you can push, where you can brake, and most importantly, how much grip you’ve got underneath you.

I made a few mistakes at the beginning and lost some ground. But lap after lap, I managed to find a better rhythm and work my way back, also watching the riders ahead to understand how the conditions were changing.

P3, another Sprint podium, my seventh of the season.

And considering how things had gone, I was really happy with that.

Sunday, though, was a different story.

I started fifth and spent most of the race running in fourth position.

But it wasn’t an easy race.

Not at all.

I really struggled to maintain the pace I wanted. I tried to ride as smoothly as possible and avoid putting too much stress on the tyres, but lap after lap, things just kept getting more difficult.

Towards the end, Ai came up really fast behind me, and we even made contact when he overtook me, which cost me a bit of ground.

Shortly afterwards, I made a small mistake, ran wide, and lost another position.

Sixth.

Not the result I wanted.

After Saturday’s podium, I’d hoped for something better, but this time we just didn’t have enough.

It’s frustrating because when you work so hard all weekend and then can’t get the result you were hoping for, it gets on your nerves a bit.

But you also have to look at the positives.

We’ve made progress compared to last year, we got on the podium in the Sprint, and we brought both Aprilias home inside the top six on Sunday.

And most importantly, we have a better understanding of where we need to improve.

As for the Championship, I still believe.

I know the situation is complicated and the gap is big. But if I stopped believing, what would be the point of going racing?

As long as there’s a chance, even a small one, you have to go for it.

And regardless of the standings, I want to keep giving my absolute best every time I get on the bike. For myself, for the team, and for everyone who works so hard every day to make sure we can be competitive.

And before wrapping up, a special shout-out to Kimi.

Seeing him become Formula 1 World Champion at just twenty years old was amazing. I watched the race from Malaysia, and it was a really special moment. What impressed me most this year was how calmly he handled all that pressure, always keeping that carefree attitude and confidence of a true champion.

I’m genuinely so happy for him. He’s a fantastic guy, and he deserves every bit of this.

Well done, Kimi! Can’t wait to give you a big hug!

Now it’s time to head to Qatar.

I’m not exactly sure what to expect. Hopefully, we’ll struggle a little less than we did at Sepang, but if that’s not the case, we’ll just keep working with the same attitude.

Because one thing’s for sure.

The motivation is definitely there.

A massive thank you to all the guys in the team, to Aprilia, and to everyone who supported us here in Malaysia.

We’re not giving up on anything.

See you in Qatar.