With only one year of experience in the Moto2 category, Sky Racing Team VR46 confirmed this Sunday that it had acquired the necessary experience to play for victory, and that it would therefore be necessary to count on it this season.
Sacred Moto2 Rookie 2017, Francis Bagnaia impressed in his first season in the intermediate category. After excellent pre-season tests during which he worked a lot, he confirmed in Qatar that he was indeed a title contender this year thanks to the experience acquired last year: “I'm really happy to have started the season this way! Today we have reaped the fruits of the work we have accomplished in recent months. We focused on race pace and that was the key to victory. Compared to last year, I have clearly progressed in managing the first laps, when the tank is full, and today I was very fast. »
“Pecco” led the entire race in the lead, and knew how to manage the pressure put on by his opponents: “It was a long race. I started strong, but Márquez and Baldassarri closed the gap and I had to close the doors in the last laps. This is our first victory in Moto2, for me and the team, so I dedicate it to everyone who works in this project and has always supported me, my family and the guys from the VR46 Riders Academy. »
His teammate Luca Marini, although more discreet during the race, also brought a good result to the team. Starting seventeenth, he moved up to ninth position after technical problems: “The problem we had with the tire in qualifying didn't help us, and even on D-Day I had to change the front tire on the grid. »
After two years in Moto2, the Italian feels ready to fight at the front, hence his slight disappointment when crossing the finish line: “This is not the place I hoped to be in, I could have gotten closer to the drivers in front, but I am satisfied with the work done with the team during this first race weekend of 2018. We gave the best of ourselves and must continue in this direction. »
He nevertheless keeps a smile when he takes stock: “Overall it was a good Sunday: I overtook a lot! »
If Marini is still a little reserved, it is clear that he has progressed considerably since last year and could quickly join Bagnaia at the forefront. Bulldozer style, the team is gaining strength!
