by MATTEO SENATORE
The spell of Sprint races seemed impossible to break Pecco Bagnaia. In six rounds held in 2024 in the ‘mini-races’ on Saturday the reigning world champion had not achieved a single podium and he hadn’t taken home a single point in three consecutive rounds. Too little for someone who aspires to win, in November, his fourth career world title, the third consecutive in MotoGP. There couldn’t be a better place than Mugello to break this little curse. Bagnaia himself, absolute dominator of the Sprint and perfectly in control of the race, admitted to having had a bit of ‘anxiety’ in the last lap. The memory of Barcelona is too fresh. This time, however, there was no crash five corners from the checkered flag, no mockery. Alone so much joy to share with a completely crazy audience for the sample in red.
He put the icing on the cake for Bagnaia Jorge Martin: for the first time since Sprint races existed, the Spaniard crashed and received a ‘zero’, but not before becoming the protagonist of a discussed contact with Bastianini in which the Beast ended up on the ground. In his case, a lucky amulet would be useful, because everything really seems to be going wrong for him. The Spaniard – still leader of the World Championship with 27 points ahead of the reigning #1 – appeared more annoyed by the setup (and tire wear) problems experienced in a Sprint race in which he was still struggling except for the slide itself. Tomorrow, however, he will have to raise his head and show that he has changed compared to last year: in the rival’s den it will be crucial for him not to make mistakes again under pressure. Especially with the much coveted official team saddle seemingly just a step away.
Behind Bagnaia Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta stand out, who continue to disprove – race after race – the axiom according to which it would not be possible to overtake with these bikes. The two of them always succeed, even in a very spectacular way, and continue to entertain the audience. Marquez, one step after another, is also increasingly in contention for the big target. And tomorrow the feeling is that, starting from the front row, he can become the main obstacle between Pecco and a historic trio of consecutive victories in the Italian GP.
A positive mention he deserves it then Franco Morbidelli, who scored ‘only’ 7 for this day, but who is finding – day after day – more and more confidence with the GP24. For him too, the dream of a podium in front of the home fans tomorrow is not unattainable. The sore point, however, remains the stewards. There is no driver who does not complain about the apparently random way in which sanctions are assigned. Today Bagnaia, Quartararo, Aleix Espargarò, Bastianini – but also all the other centaurs – expressed very clear opinions on the matter: we need to change everything and do it quickly. Is it possible that we can’t finally find a solution? The credibility of a championship is at stake which on the track, race after race, appears increasingly spectacular and balanced.
#Bagnaia #good #finally
