We need to work hard

A GP that reflects the true values on the track, a lacklustre race that unfolded in a weekend with mixed results for us, and that will have to be interpreted with great care. Saturday began with Diggia in Pole Position and Pecco and Marc starting from the second row on the grid. Unfortunately, Marc’s mistake in the Sprint Race cost him an onerous long-lap penalty in the main race, forcing on him a significant loss of positions against his closest pursuers that prevented him from vying for the podium. As always, he was persistent and determined, managing to claw his way back to finish 5th, giving it his all with the generosity and character that befits this champion who never holds back. A Marc, however, that wasn’t at 100% due to Friday’s crash, and with a feel of the bike that was still uncertain, calling for a setup that needs adjusting and doesn’t allow him to be the Marc Marquez we know so well and have come to expect so much from. If we add to that the steady improvement of our opponents, I dare say that the situation becomes very clear.

Bagnaia came close to winning the Sprint: it was great and rewarding to see him racing in the lead for so long. On Sunday, he didn’t get off to a good start but quickly made up for it with a determined and aggressive ride with a fast and confident first half of the race. He showed the right grit of someone who wants to be a protagonist, only to then run into a sharp drop in performance that caused him to lose more and more positions, finally being relegated to 10th place at the flag.

A rock-solid Diggia, finishing 4th, was once again Ducati’s best rider in this instance. A rough start followed by an excellent race: talent and maturity.

What is crystal clear is that we need to work hard to improve and put our riders in a position to give their best, especially now that the opposition is proving to be so competitive. In the USA we struggled more than we should have had: a wake-up call that must drive us to get back to winning, confident that then it will be even better!

Forza Ducati!