New race, and new lesson from Pecco Bagnaia. None of the Italian's great opponents had answers to ward off his two consecutive efforts. With four victories for him and three for everyone else combined, he seems able to take the season into his own hands; paradoxically, his relatively low points total allows him to maintain the role of outsider in which he excels so much.
Lorenzo style
It was a near-perfect weekend for Pecco. And I don't have much to say about his performance itself, which speaks for itself. Very strong in qualifying, he missed pole but can be satisfied with a successful session from start to finish, intelligent what's more, knowing that many wanted his aspiration. Then, the Sprint, again, unstoppable throughout, from a very good takeoff. And finally, the Sunday race, with a start of which only he has the secret. Despite a justified but harsh penalty - the race direction was once again distinguished by its irregularity in Italy, he was able to explode when the lights went out, place himself perfectly in the first corner, and come out like a bullet to pounce Jorge Martin inside #2. From there there was nothing more to do.
I really had the impression of seeing Jorge Lorenzo on the bike. In addition to being blue, the Desmosedici GP24 did not move a bit - except in the last loops, recorded similar times on each lap (including three consecutive identical to the nearest tenth), always with this gap of seven or eight tenths perfectly maintained. And obviously, this setting, Mugello, so large and so impressive, where Jorge Lorenzo was so violent. Once again, he proves that he is one of the best riders in motorcycling history, because only giants can get through a weekend without being bothered by anyone other than themselves. He gave the impression that the penalty could relegate him to 16th place on the grid, that the result would have been the same.
Serein
I really think he was a cut above everyone else on his land. The proof is: in the penultimate lap, he weakened a bit and saw Jorge Martin close to three tenths. The “Martinator” was not going any faster, it was Bagnaia who had undoubtedly missed out somewhat. Normally, let the one who pursues hope, what's more when it's Jorge Martinis shooting yourself in the foot. It's like bleeding around a shark. It offered hope, and it is often stronger than all the notions of piloting combined. But despite this gap, it took him one lap to regain four tenths and definitively drop the Spaniard.. This shows that he still had something under his belt if one of his pursuers were to catch up with him in the final moments.
Forza Italy
On this Italian Republic Day, Pecco Bagnaia embodied his people. I noticed, throughout the weekend, that it generated unfailing fervor. I had never noticed it before, but it seems that his people finally recognize him as one of their worthy representatives, in the direct lineage of Valentino Rossi. This hadn't struck me as much in the other rounds held in the region – also because there were visually many more people than in other years on the Tuscan hills. Pecco Bagnaia is in communion with the crowd, celebrates with them, even asserts himself on the podium and during his post-race celebration. Besides, this one was surprising to say the least. In homage to the group Kiss, Bagnaia pretended to be a rockstar while his character and his driving represent the complete opposite. Should we see there signs of emancipation? It's too early to tell, but charisma is what he lacks; It’s a way to earn money. After all, it would be enough for him to assume his talent.
An immense Mugello
I was delighted to see Mugello melting again, like in the good old days. Of course, whistles during falls are completely inexcusable, but do not differ from country to country. Idiots have no nationality. I still appreciated the speech of Pecco Bagnaia, who got wet to stop this. But hey, we can't make the donkey drink if it's not thirsty.
🚦LIGHTS OUT in #MotoGP🚦@PeccoBagnaia let's rocket mode! 🚀#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/eQQ5IeWeZG
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) June 2, 2024
Both heats were great, but of course, from the look of them, I already knew what to expect from hanging around on social media after the finish. Many complained of a “Formula 1”, “boring”, “flat” race.. Already, I suspect those who refer to single-seaters of not watching the said championship, because they would discover boredom, the real, the authentic. Then, finding these comments was not a surprise because the majority of them – which represent, by the way, the noisy minority – exist because it was Bagnaia who imposed himself. We had a great Grand Prix, certainly dominated, but no less interesting. It's a way of downplaying Pecco's victory to say he was boring, and it's easy to check. These people did not have this speech in Portugal this season, which I did not find more exciting before the fall of Bagnaia and Marquez, or many of Fabio Quartararo's victories in 2021 and 2022 for example.
It must be said that the MotoGP has so accustomed us to magnificent games in recent years that we forget the past, when races like these were commonplace. And certainly no less popular with the public in their time.
It was undoubtedly not the GP of the year, but a great spectacle with important twists and turns in the dynamics of those who liven up the season. What did you think of it? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport