MotoGP France Le Mans Championship: Fabio Quartararo stays on top and Bastianini gives Ducati headaches

By mastering this French Grand Prix like a boss, Enea Bastianini not only did well in the championship where he restarted perfectly. He also launched the debates at Ducati on what the official team will be in 2023. Pecco Bagnaia, a little too sure of his facts, said, at the end of the qualifications which he had dominated that he did not want Bastianini, ne of Jorge Martin at his side, but rather keep the loyal and friendly pair Jack Miller. His compatriot at the GP21 Gresini responded to him on the track by showing that he was still far from having the dimension and serenity to impose these things...

Enea Bastianini drank whey while commenting on his race and before quenching his thirst with the Prosecco of victory. He even slipped in a note which put Pecco Bagnaia - official Ducati who signed to be in red until 2024 – in his place, recalling his big weak point: his nerves… “ I'm really happy with this race, it's an unexpected victory, it was a complicated weekend with a few crashes. But in the race I had a very good pace. When I saw Bagnaia slip away, I realized I had to stay behind first before trying to pass him to make him a little nervous. Finally I managed to win thanks also to the work of my team ».

To crack bagnaia has been the key and it seems to work every time. Nevertheless bastianini is now up to three victories following an astonishing cycle observed this season: a success, two lackluster Grands Prix, then a victory. Compared to the last meeting in Spain, he still remains third overall, but his record on the leader has melted. From 20 lengths, it is shortened to eight…

For its part, Aleix Espargaró, third, confirms that he has taken out his subscription for the podium: “ I am very tired, I risked falling several times and each time I approached Miller and tried to pass him. There I say to myself 'Better to let it go', in fact it went well » commented the official Aprilia who maintained Fabio Quartararo behind him to deprive him of a podium in front 110.003 of his compatriots… He is four points behind the Frenchman at the Yamaha .

Fabio Quartararo still single-handedly holds the Yamaha house in the championship

fabio quartararo therefore settled for fourth place on a Le Mans track which he identified among those where he must score the most before going to circuits that are too hostile for his M1. The performance is therefore quietly appreciated by the one who still remains leader in the title race with 102 points. The tricolor also notes the sudden stop in the rise of Pecco Bagnaia, pushed back to seventh place with this white result. The liability is 46 points and he sees before him John Zarco and his teammate Jack Miller, which he helped so much in Q2 and which he so desires to keep in 2023, six units ahead of him.

Despite his abandonment, alex rins is fourth in this general with 33 points behind. His teammate Joan mir who also fell lost three positions to settle in ninth ahead of a Marc Marquez who does what he can as he is with what he has. Savior of KTM as Quarterly East of Yamaha, Brad Binder made his fighting hole in the eighth row. Among the rookies, Marco Bezzecchi remains in the lead with 18th place, and 19 points, ahead Darryn binder who has six.

Finally, among manufacturers, Ducati leads with 156 points, a good part of which is due to a driver who does not have the red suit… Yamaha follows with 102 units marked by the only fabio quartararo, before Aprilia three points and KTM who passes in front Suzuki who scored nothing at Le Mans. Honda brings up the rear with 67 points. Next championship meeting at Mugello for the Italian Grand Prix from May 27 to 29.

MotoGP France Le Mans Championship: classification

Credit classification motogp.com