#QatarGP: Pecco Bagnaia on the podium in Qatar, Iván Ortolá showing progress in Moto2
Pecco Bagnaia on the podium in Qatar, Iván Ortolá showing progress in Moto2.
The Qatar Grand Prix, held at the Lusail International Circuit, featured thrilling races and unexpected twists. Our Suomy rider Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia showed great determination, initially securing third place in the main MotoGP race, which later turned into a second-place finish due to a penalty given to the second-place rider. In Moto2, Iván Ortolá showed positive signs, managing to climb several positions during the race.
SPRINT RACE
In Saturday’s Sprint Race, Pecco Bagnaia crossed the finish line in eighth place, earning two points. Starting from eleventh position, due to a crash during Qualifying, our Suomy Rider recovered several places, showing good race pace despite the initial difficulties. Francesco continued to struggle with braking and overtaking throughout the race.
RACE
Sunday’s race saw Pecco as the protagonist of an extraordinary comeback. Starting from eleventh, he managed to climb up to third place, earning a spot on the podium. However, a penalty given to the rider who initially finished second allowed Francesco to move up one place and secure second position. Bagnaia demonstrated great maturity and strategy, managing the crucial moments of the race perfectly.
MOTO2
Iván Ortolá faced a demanding race. Nevertheless, our Suomy Rider showed determination and recorded an average speed just 1 km/h slower than the race winner. Starting from 25th on the grid, he managed to climb several positions over the course of 18 laps, finishing in 18th place. After 4 races, our Moto2 Suomy Rider stands 17th in the championship standings.
“Today I struggled. Unfortunately, at the moment, I can’t overcome this limit I have in the sprint race, as braking hard and overtaking don’t seem to come as easily as I’d like. The opening lap wasn’t too bad, but then I got sucked in and it took me a while to make my way back, as I couldn’t ride at my pace. Qualifying was a different story altogether: after my first attempt, in which I didn’t feel at my best, I ended up crashing out in the second time attack, when things seemed better. It was my mistake, but I had to try.”
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – Sprint Race 8th
“All in all, I’m happy with today’s result, as you never know what can happen when you start from eleventh place on the grid. The only thing that upsets me a bit is that on Sunday I’m always a bit more competitive and effective, especially in the early laps, and I manage to complete some overtakes. On Saturday, on the other hand, I always struggle in doing the same, so I need to understand what to do in order to improve and make a step forward. That said, I’m happy with the outcome.”
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – Race 2th
World Standings P. 3
Next Round:
SPANISH GP
Circuito de Jerez
April 25-27th
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