Franco Morbidelli and Mattia Pasini are long-time adversaries and the two always happily find themselves on the track for a good fight, as was the case last Sunday in Aragon. Pasini has won one Grand Prix this year, compared to Morbidelli's eight, and the man from Rimini is therefore quite far behind his colleague from the VR46 Academy in the standings.
Not so long ago, in 2015, Mattia Pasini's career seemed over when he couldn't find a team in the World Championship, except for two extras for the Gresini team at Mugello and Misano . Recruited into the ranks of Italtrans in 2016, he did not immediately explode, but the 2017 Jerez GP really changed him with a nice fourth place.
Currently in sixth place in the ranking with 124 points, exactly half of Franco (248 points), Pasini estimates that “ Morbidelli is simply invincible this year. He is incredibly strong. »
After the small mistake at Misano, Morbidelli immediately redeemed himself in Aragon and he leads the Moto2 standings with 21 points ahead of Luthi. Yet Mattia Pasini put up fierce resistance until the finish line.
“I enjoyed Aragon”, emphasizes Pasini. « I knew the first part of the race would be very difficult for me with a full tank, but then my pace improved. I got back on Franco, passed him but he overtook me. We fought against each other. »
“I enjoyed this fight because we know each other very well. It was a big fight. In the last lap he was stronger in the fourth sector, I couldn't attack anymore. I was happy. I love these races. »
A challenge that pleased Morbidelli even if he had a lot to lose in a close duel. According to Franco, “ It was important for me to get a good result in Aragon. I feel the pressure of the title, but the track disappears. That's why I focus on the best possible performance. »
“I tried to attack from the start of the race and widen the gap, but Pasini quickly caught up with me and I had to make a decision. Stay calm and thoughtful for the championship. I continued to fight and went on to victory. »
Photos © Italtrans Racing Team
Source: tuttomotoriweb.com
