Already in Misano, there was a photo finish between the future Ducati teammates. In Aragon this time ‘Pecco’ stuck back and ‘La Bestia’ won. Bet on hot races at 22Bet bonus.
For the second MotoGP race in a row, the two future Ducati factory teammates Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini had a duel for the win that went all the way to the finish line. This time it was Bastianini who came out on top by 42 thousandths, preventing Bagnaia’s fifth win in a row. The pair also secured the Constructors’ title for the Italians with their double victory for Ducati once again.
La Bestia’ was able to break Bagnaia’s streak and celebrated his fourth win of the season. At the beginning of the race, it didn’t look like it would be: “That was a difficult race for me. At the start, I had contact with Aleix [Espargaro, editor’s note] and I lost a few positions.” After that, however, the Gresini rider set off fireworks, although he made life difficult for himself: “I managed to catch up and take the lead, but then I made a mistake and went wide into turn 10. After that, I pushed hard to get back to Pecco [Bagnaia, editor’s note]. On the last lap, I was close to him and I decided to put the overtaking maneuver in turn 7. I got by and was able to win. I am very happy.”
Bagnaia clarifies: that making up points more important than victory
The World Championship fourth-placed rider did not put his compatriot in his place, but attacked spontaneously: “I only decided to try it there on the last lap. I was already very close to Pecco in turn 5. I was good at accelerating out and when I changed the direction I knew that was the opportunity.” Bagnaia had already expected this, but unlike the race in Misano did not resist: “I was sure he would attack and I was ready for that. I decided before the race that I would let rivals go if the risk became too high. Today it was very easy to make another mistake. Making up 20 points is more important than taking another win.”
Bagnaia had been informed by his team about the crash of world championship leader Fabio Quartararo, so he defended his decision to let Bastianini go, “It’s more important to take the opportunity that Fabio’s crash made possible to make up points. I was at the limit and an overtaking attempt against Enea would have been too risky. Nevertheless, I can be very happy with this result.” The Ducati spearhead is now only 10 points behind the defending champion from France in the championship.
