Masterful reading and managing of the race

An excellent qualifying session, followed by the 10th Sprint win of the season - the most crucial one - and then, to cap Qatar’s weekend, a rock-solid second place that is worth its weight in gold. Yes! Way to go for “another big one”... We are so close now to another immense joy, but first we must put paid to the job, we have to finish it in the best possible way. Only then will we look back at what we have achieved so far.

Today, we witnessed some very smart racing, the type that definitively seals the maturity, experience and talent of a true, all-round Champion who makes the difference always and everywhere. Versatile as ever, Marc knows exactly what needs to be done and how to modulate his skills, choosing the right approach not just for a specific race but for that exact moment, with sharp insight of his own situation as well as that of his opponents. Whether it is the strength and instinct of a fighter or the execution of a fine strategy, he always knows which aspect to let prevail, from the most aggressive to the more, shall we say, productive approach. And he delivers. In other words, a masterful reading and managing of the race as it unfolds. And this time it was no different. 

We wrap up a Sprint with many twists and turns, one that concerns us personally. Pecco had been riding masterfully since the first free practice sessions. Fast, precise, and competitive. It's a pleasure to see him back on track like this. He could have been fighting with the strongest riders in the leading group, but he was the victim of a nasty collision with another rider in the early stages of the race. Through no fault of his own, he was suddenly thrown from his bike. A violent crash, difficult to watch even on TV, and I'd say, fortunately with only minor consequences. A serious blow and two fractures to his right foot that will require surgery. We don't know exactly when he'll be back on track, but we can't wait to see him back in the garage so we can give him the hug and farewell he deserves in these final two rounds of the season.

Back to the race, we experienced a less spectacular but equally intense GP in terms of interpreting what in the ultimate analysis will turn out to have been the pivotal race of the MotoGP World Championship. The first half was managed by controlling pace and tyre wear, while the second was defined by a decisive and thrilling change of tempo, a progressive and relentless comeback that, after clocking the fastest lap, saw him secure a most precious second place. This was an opportunity that Marc didn’t let slip away, pursued and grabbed without holding back, with his trademark authority. Once again, he managed to draw the absolute maximum in a situation where he was not the favourite: an excellent result that feels like an outright victory - the greatest one.

However, it is best to remember that the job isn’t done yet. Total commitment will be required in the final two rounds, which will also decide the important Constructors' title, to honour all the hard work done by the great Ducati Team both at the tracks and back home, as well as out of respect for our opponents and all the supporters.

Forza Ducati!