The Race of Champions, which was supposed to add a festive touch to World Ducati Week in Misano, turned into a fierce challenge. With some of the fastest drivers in the world on the all-new Panigale V4, the event took on an intense and competitive feel.
Andrea Iannone had surprised everyone in qualifying by beating Pecco Bagnaia, the double world champion MotoGP. However, from the start of the race, bagnaia demonstrated why he is considered one of the best, by immediately taking the lead and leading the race from start to finish. Without ever looking back, he put on a display of mastery, finishing with a solid lead.
The race was decided with bagnaia in front, followed closely by Iannone et Nicholas Bulega. However, drama unfolded in the final turns when Marc Marquez, newly recruited by Ducati for the 2025-26 seasons, attempted a bold maneuver on Open up. Marquez dove to the inside on the final corner, causing Bulega to fall into the gravel, surprised and holding his shoulder.
Marc Marquez Ducati: “ I saw it fall, I don't know if I touched it »
Marquez, interviewed after the race, downplayed the incident, saying: “ I saw it fall, I don't know if I touched it ». Open up, still in shock, expressed his incomprehension of the situation.
The race started with bagnaia quickly taking the lead, followed by Iannone, Open up, and Marquez. Halfway through, the order had not changed, but the intensity increased a notch. bagnaia ultimately won the race with a lead of 1,462 second on Iannone, while Marquez managed to get on the podium after a final battle which ended with the fall of Open up.
The performance of bagnaia was praised, cementing his position as one of the most dominant drivers of the season. As for Marquez, his bold move sparked discussion and criticism, particularly from Open up and his supporters. There World Ducati Week continues, but the incident enters Marquez et Open up will certainly be remembered, adding an extra layer of passion to this already spectacular event.
Ranking :
