The press conference held after the Grand Prix MotoGP of Portugal, at the Algarve International Autodrome in Portimao, brought together George Martin, Enea Bastianini et Peter Acosta to answer various questions from journalists.
Although a poleman, Enea Bastianini was unable to reach the highest step of the podium this weekend in the Iberian Peninsula, settling for a 3rd place on Sunday after a 6th during the Sprint. Thanks to his consistency, he nevertheless returned to 3rd place in the championship, ahead of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia.
As usual, we report his words here without the slightest formatting, even if it is translated from English.
Ladies and gentlemen, hello and welcome to the post-race press conference at the end of an incredible and thrilling Tissot Portuguese Grand Prix here at the Algarve International Circuit. Our top three drivers, led by race winner and new world championship leader, Jorge Martin for Prima Pramac Racing, Jorge's first Sunday victory since that superb finish in Thailand last October. Very close second, he pressed him to the end, the rider of the Ducati Lenovo team, Enea Bastianini. A great weekend for Enea Of course, after his pole position yesterday. And making history is Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 driver Pedro Acosta, who is only 19 years old. He is the third youngest driver in the history of the premier category to reach the podium. You had an incredible race today, Pedro. Congratulations to all three of you, gentlemen.
Second place, but only a second for Ducati Lenovo Team rider Enea Bastianini. Enea, pole position yesterday, second place, and you pushed so hard, especially in the last six or seven laps, where you did the fastest lap of the race. Did you think that at some point you would have the opportunity to fight Jorge for victory?
Enea Bastianini : “Yes, it was a very good race for me, and after the big mistakes made yesterday, it was important to get a good result today. The start was good for me today, but Jorge's was better and he took the lead. But for the rest of the race I tried to pass Maverick, but he was really fast, especially in the last sector, and it was impossible for me to try to attack him. And on the last part of the race, where I can always do something more, I tried to catch Maverick on the last lap, but for Jorge, it was impossible today because he was perfect . He made no mistake. Congratulations to him! »
Enea, did you have chattering problems yesterday with the soft tires, or today?
“Yes, for my part, I think that with the medium the problem of chattering is a little better, but on this track it was the big problem for us, at Ducati. I think I can also speak for the other Ducati riders and I saw a lot more chatter from us, compared to the other bikes. »
Enea, you beat the race record for 2-3 laps, and at that time you were catching Jorge. Has the possibility of fighting with him for victory ever crossed your mind?
“Yes, only a little (laughs) because I know Jorge was in front and I was behind Maverick, and it was difficult for me to think about victory today. My goal was to try to fight with Maverick in the last lap, and I think victory was not possible today. But like I said earlier, I think Jorge was perfect throughout the race and I think it was too dangerous. »
Results of the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Autodrome in Portimão:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
