Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS driver Franco Morbidelli took his eighth and perhaps most important victory of the season today at the Motorland circuit in Aragon.
Armed with unfailing composure, Morbidelli managed to contain a final attack from his compatriot Mattia Pasini in the last lap at the end of a breathtaking race.
A magical performance for the championship leader who took the advantage in turn nine of the last lap of the race.
Leading at the end of the first lap, Morbidelli didn't give up when Pasini joined him, refusing to make the slightest calculation in relation to the championship.
This victory is a perfect response for the Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS driver who, after his crash in Misano, had compromised his conquest of the title.
The Italian driver thus regains a 21-point lead over Tom Lüthi, his closest opponent, fourth today under the checkered flag.
Unfortunately for Alex Marquez, a physical condition that could still be improved prevented him from taking advantage of his place on the first row of the starting grid. The stage favorite had to retire due to a numb left leg, a problem caused by his hip injury caused by his fall in Misano.
During the first laps of the race, Marquez moved into third position with the hope of getting on the podium. Forced to retire, Marquez should be back in great shape for the next race in Japan, in three weeks.
Franco Morbidelli: 1st
“I haven’t changed my approach today. I ran like I always do, giving my all, and that's what paid off. I tried to escape at the start of the race but Pasini quickly caught up with me. From there, I had to make a decision. Stay calm and drive with the championship in mind, or fight. I chose the second option to try to win the race. And that's why I'm very happy with this victory. »
Alex Marquez: DNF
“The pain hasn't been my biggest problem. Actually, it's my leg that has gone numb because my hip is swollen and compressing the sciatic nerve. I knew before the start that this race would be complicated. I still decided to try my luck, but unfortunately I wasn't able to go through with it. I will now treat myself and prepare for the next Grand Prix in Japan. »
Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal
“Before the race, I spoke with Franco to ask him to think about the championship and to control his lead over Lüthi for the championship. Of course, he did just the opposite! Once we reach the finish line, the satisfaction of victory is great, but during all the laps we held our breath because the fight with Pasini was terrible. If Franco had played it safe today, we couldn't have blamed him. But he did a great job and made up for his Misano mistake. I thought before the start that Alex would be able to finish the race despite his physical condition. A sixth place would have been a very good result but his decision to stop was the right one. »
