Of course there is THE Bagnaia, Francesco of his first name, official Ducati rider who, until this Italian Grand Prix on the Mugello circuit, occupied second place in the MotoGP world championship, just one point behind Fabio Quartararo.
And then, this meeting in Tuscany allowed us to discover “the other” Bagnaia, Pietro of his first name, father of the first and team manager of the Moto3 structure Team Bardahl VR46 Riders Academy which made its appearance in the World Cup thanks to a double wildcard for Elia Bertolini et Alberto Surra who usually officiate in the Italian Speed Championship (CIV).
Mugello therefore constituted a family meeting that Pecco bagnaia commented: “I’m very happy for him! I think he learned a lot from following me on my journey to the world championship. He learned a lot in the Spanish championship and I told him that he was great with the young people who were trying to start their career with Pocket bikes. He started five or six years ago with young drivers in MiniGP and he did a very good job. I am very happy for him to see him but I feel he is very nervous. It's something great, for him, for me and for the family, and it's good to see that he started with me and that he is now a team manager in the Italian Speed Championship doing his first wildcard here. We also have to thank Vale for giving him the opportunity. »
Peter Bagnaia : « We are excited to take part in our first race at the highest level of the Moto3 category. Mugello is a circuit that we know well, where the first weekend of the CIV championship took place, which allows us to approach the Italian GP with a good working base. The team and drivers are very motivated and ready to seize this wonderful opportunity in the best possible way. »
When it comes to results, the nervous team manager did well since, taking advantage of adjustments already made during the first round of the CIV, Elia Bertolini et Alberto Surra appeared in 19th and 23rd positions at the end of the free practice day, before qualifying in exactly the opposite order, 23rd and 19th.
When we know the level that reigns in the Moto3 world championship, there is nothing to be ashamed of for wildcards, especially since
Alberto Surra in particular has shown to have no complexes compared to his elders in hand-to-hand combat!
Peter Bagnaia : " OUR first qualifying session for the World Championship and we did really well. Alberto and Elia improved session after session and achieved very good times. We were very close to reaching Q2 with Alberto, while Elia was slowed down a little by traffic. But we know how complicated qualifying is in Moto3. For me it is a great emotion to see our team in the world championship and I think we can have a good race tomorrow. »
Race, Alberto Surra had to give up on the first lap after being hit from behind by the Husqvarna ofAdrian Fernandez (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team), whileElia Bertolini crossed the finish line 20th, 40 seconds behind the winner Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing).
A first experience inevitably tarnished by the mourning which marked this weekend in Italy, but which makes us want to see the beautiful yellow and black KTMs again during, perhaps, a San Marino Grand Prix this time really at home for the VR46…
Peter Bagnaia : " A sad Sunday for everyone. When things like that happen, everything else takes on a different meaning. I, along with the entire team, would like to extend our deepest condolences to Jason's family. »
Standings for the Italian Moto3 Grand Prix at Mugello:
Credit Ranking: motogp.com
