After a good test, Bagnaia had what he felt was his best race in the MotoGP class. We saw him perform significantly better than last year, with the possible exception of the Australian Grand Prix where he finished fourth behind his Australian teammate. Jack Miller.
Video: Good start to the race for the Pramac drivers. Here Jack Miller third and Francesco Bagnaia fifth:
Battle joined already at the front! ⚔️
Both @pramacracing riders are also on the move! 👀#SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/SbGWD3ESr7
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) July 19, 2020
After completely correct free practice, Bagnaia found himself qualified for Q2 with the ninth time, ahead of the two official Ducatis ofAndrea Dovizioso (returning from injury) and Danilo Petrucci (fall during Wednesday tests).
He therefore felt that part of the Desmosedici result was going to rest on his shoulders, and achieved a magnificent fourth time during qualifying in 1'36.955, 0.250 from the pole position. fabio quartararo and at… 0.093 (authentic!) from Marc Marquez.
He fought for a long time in the race in the leading group, alongside Andrea Dovizioso, Jack Miller, Franco Morbidelli and Pol Espargaro. But he excessively wore out his front tire and narrowly finished seventh ahead of Miguel Oliveira.
Marc Marquez doubles Franco Morbidelli and Francesco Bagnaia:
Knife through butter! 🔥@marcmarquez93 powers his Repsol Honda past @FrankyMorbido12 and @PeccoBagnaia for sixth! 😱#SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/MsmHuEErAj
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) July 19, 2020
“I think the conditions were critical because of the high heat, Pecco said. The five-month shutdown has affected us, the pilots, and not just a little. We should have done more physiotherapy. Among other things, with starting from a demanding track like Jerez, without the right physiotherapy sessions, it was really a good thing that we made it to the finish line. »
How satisfied are you with your performance today?
“I am happy with my performance. I managed to stay with the best without having to struggle during the first phase of the race. Then I started to wear out my tires with 12 laps left, especially at the front.
“Apart from this drawback, we worked well with the team, making the best of the situation. In the first phase of the race I managed to be fast. I've never done a race like this before. »
Were you affected by this tire deterioration?
“Personally, I didn't expect this kind of deterioration to happen. At the end of the race I was driving differently, I was struggling in the corners and that affected me. »
Looking ahead to the next GP, in just seven days, where to start?
“Next Sunday we will be more prepared, and in FP4 we will have to work even harder with worn tires. Today the track was really hot, it was also difficult to stay in the wake of the other bikes, so much so that the front heated up easily.
“I think next Sunday we will all be closer to each other because we will have more experience. »
Classification of the Spanish Grand Prix:
So why not Bagnaia as official Ducati rider in 2021? we asked his team manager Francesco Guidotti. " Everything is possible, he replied. If the negotiation with Dovizioso doesn't go well and Pecco is confirmed at some level in the next few races, that could be something to consider. »
Photos © Pramac Racing
