Bagnaia bounces back
VIEWED ONE WAY, the first Italian Grand Prix in the post-Valentino Rossi era could be spoken of in negative terms. Much was made of the effect of the superstar’s recent retirement on attendance as just 74,078 came through the turnstiles over three days – just over half of the 139,329 in 2019. A gloomy weather forecast, lack of current star power at the front and high-ticket prices were other factors in the negative coverage that preceded the event.
But looked at from another angle, and there was much for those in attendance to applaud. A pair of unlikely names lit up the early exchanges, with Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini from Rossi’s own VR46 Ducati squad posting their best performances to date.
Pecco Baganaia (Lenovo Ducati), another member of the VR46 Academy, held his nerve in a tense late fight to become the fourth rider in the official team to win on the factory’s home turf in six years. After two mundane outings, low on spectacle, there was a welcome return of overtaking, which enriched a frenetic contest.
One man contributed to that excitement more than anyone. He may have won last year’s race at this venue, but few expected Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) to
