#ItalianGP: Bagnaia comes close to the podium
OUR PECCO BAGNAIA RETURNS TO THE PODIUM IN THE SPRINT RACE AND COMES CLOSE IN THE MAIN RACE, WEARING HIS SUOMY S1XR GP WITH A DESIGN DEDICATED TO ROCKER LUCIANO LIGABUE.
Francesco Bagnaia loves his family, adrenaline, football, and rock music. The graphics on his Suomy S1XR GP helmet reflect these passions, and the design chosen for the Italian Grand Prix—one of the most anticipated and emotional races of the year—reveals something about him. Luciano Ligabue’s songs seemed to become the soundtrack of a weekend that, in many respects, delivered a very positive outcome. He finished third in the Sprint Race and fourth in Sunday’s main race—but that tells much more than just a near-podium finish. Our Pecco showed that he hasn’t lost his determination and still has the drive to lead races. His performance during the opening laps gives us that exact image. Go Pecco…
SPRINT RACE
Francesco Bagnaia got off to a strong start, very strong. However, it didn’t take long for his teammate, assisted by his brother Alex, to close the gap. Francesco found himself caught between the two brothers taking turns leading the race. Pecco tried to challenge Alex Márquez but without success, and at a certain point he seemed to ease off, focusing on defending his podium spot from the chasers.
RACE
What a race! It had been weeks since we witnessed such an exhilarating battle, especially with our Pecco Bagnaia as the undisputed protagonist. The Piedmontese rider proved he’s still the same as before. In the early laps, he rode like a champion, showing tenacity, precision, and daring. He left nothing untried, but as the laps passed and grip dropped slightly, he had to switch to a defensive approach. Even so, he stayed on the podium until just two laps before the end, when an unstoppable Fabio Di Giannantonio overtook him to claim the third spot. Pecco just needs to regain the right front-end feel, especially for the fulllength races: once he does, he’ll be leading, and his rivals will only hope to see the GO FREE logo on the back of his Suomy S1-XR GP!
MOTO2
Our Ivàn Ortolà, once again, couldn’t find the right feeling with the bike at this event and finished the race in 16th place. It’s a pity, considering he gave cause for hope in free practice and, especially, in qualifying, where he achieved an excellent fifth. All that remains now is to wish him the best of luck for the next race in Assen.
“I’m really sorry for the result as I wish I could have given something more to the fans. Despite being able to lap very fast in qualifying during the time attack, unfortunately in the race I was three to four tenths slower than last year, and that had a big impact on my chances to fight for the win. The front-end keeps tucking – especially in the fast corners – and I can’t ride the way I’d like, or the way I know I’m capable of. I probably gave even more than I should have because a podium finish was really important for me and for the whole team. Tomorrow is another day, and we’ll try to make a step forward.”
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – Sprint Race 3°
“Today, in front of this incredible crowd, I gave it everything. When I tried to set the pace at the front, I nearly crashed at the final corner. Unfortunately, when the front-end grip drops, I don’t have enough support and I struggle more. I need to stay a few tenths behind the rider in front, then quickly close the gap and try a pass — otherwise I risk losing the front. I have to accept that this is the situation for now and keep working with the team to find a solution, while always giving it my all.”
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – Race 4°
World Standings P. 3
Next Round:
DUTCH GP
Assen
June 28-29th
Click the button below to find out all the images of the #SuomyCrew during the weekend in Misano.