#EMILIAROMAGNAGP KYT Race Report

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) had a statement Saturday at the Gran Premio Pramac dell’Emilia-Romagna, stalking Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), pouncing on a mistake and then withstanding his own pressure to the flag to cut the gap to just four points at the top of the table.

Martin did keep that pressure on, however, coming home second, as Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) chased the two home - and prepares to try and do more than that on Sunday.

Martin made a dream take off at the start of the Sprint, with the #89 launching his attack on the run to Turn 1. He then pulled the pin at the beginning, pushing hard on the opening laps and as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) leapfrogged the reigning World Champion too, pushing Bagnaia down to third.

Binder was then elbowed down to fourth at Turn 8 as Bagnaia and then Bastianini shot through, and next it was Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) making moves. On the comeback from his P7 starting position after a crash in qualifying, Marquez got past the South African early on, and soon so did Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).

All eyes then returned to the front as Bagnaia reeled in the Championship leader, closing the gap to under half a second. They started to pull away from Bastianini too, creating a duel for glory and with plenty more on the line than 12 points. 

By Lap 8, Bagnaia was glued to the Pramac ahead, having reeled him in, lost a few metres, saved a front end moment and then gathered it back up. And Martin then suffered his own small drama, heading wide and that leaving the door far enough ajar to allow Bagnaia through. The hammer then went down from the #1.

Initially, the gap shot up and it looked more likely Bastianini would catch Martin, but in the final few laps the #89 was locked in to try and take it to the line. From sixth tenths up the road to Bagnaia on the penultimate lap, Martin edged closer and closer until the lap count ran out, forced to cede defeat by less than three tenths. Bagnaia strikes back after a tougher run, cutting his deficit in the title fight to just four points - so if it's a duel on Sunday, the winner decides the Championship lead.

Bastianini remained close too and will be one to watch on Sunday when he has Grand Prix distance to go at, so far enjoying a 100% podium record at Misano in the premier class. The last time he started a GP race from the front row, he won it.

Behind that trio, Marc Marquez couldn't make too much progress from fourth and was also hampered by a mistake at Turn 13 – the #93 soon had Acosta glued to his tailpipes. Less than one second separated the pair throughout as the #93 attempted to stretch a gap, and the rookie denied him. By the flag however, the veteran pulled away to ensure those valuable few extra points for P4. Acosta, nevertheless, came home top KTM/GASGAS in fifth, with Binder looking to hit back on Sunday as he was forced to settle for P6.

Further back, there was an intense battle for the final point-scoring positions in the Sprint, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team) putting in another sublime weekend at Misano so far, taking back to back Q2s and more Sprint points this time out. He held off Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Prima Pramac Racing’s Franco Morbidelli, who completed the Saturday scorers and will both be looking for some revenge on Sunday.

MOTOGP - RACE
Bastianini triumphs after last lap clash with Martin as Bagnaia blunders

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is victorious at the Gran Premio Pramac dell’Emilia-Romagna after a showstopping and controversial move on the final lap. ‘The Beast’ crossed the line to take a historic win after running a red-hot pace throughout the GP. It was an important day for Ducati, with the Bologna factory claiming the Constructors’ World Championship and their 100th win in the premier class.

The Italian defeated Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) in Misano as the #89 extended his title advantage after Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) crashed out on Lap 21. Martin’s advantage is now 24 points as the momentum swings as we leave the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Meanwhile, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) earned another podium, with the #93 finishing less than three seconds behind Martin at the line. It was a strong day for the eight-time World Champion, who sits fourth in the Championship after Bastianini took 25 points.

At the start, Martin performed the perfect launch on the run to Turn 1. The #89 led briefly before Bagnaia set up a crucial move on the opening lap – launching into the lead. The title-leading duo remained in position throughout Lap 1, with Bastianini sitting in a strong third.

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed out on Lap 2, losing the front at the tricky Turn 4. The South African rejoined the Grand Prix down in 21st with a lot of work to do for the remaining laps.

Bagnaia made a small error at the end of Lap 2, closing his advantage and allowing Martin to have his first overtake attempt at Turn 8 next time around. The #89 was on his tailpipe, with Bastianini waiting for an opportunity to get involved in third. Martin tried an identical move on Lap 4, this time making it stick. The reigning World Champion soon dropped back to P3, with Bastianini finding a gap in Bagnaia’s armour.

The fastest lap changed hands in the early stages, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) setting a strong pace before Martin entered the low 1:31 bracket. This pace allowed Martin to extend his margin to over half a second. However, ‘The Beast’ was working hard, hunting down Martin – edging closer every lap.

Acosta’s Emilia-Romagna GP then came to an early end after the #31 suffered a crash at Turn 15 with 19 laps remaining. This brought an end to Acosta’s podium hopes, promoting Marc Marquez to fourth and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) into the top five.

As Bastianini shadowed Martin at the front, Bagnaia started putting in the fast laps. Leaving the #93 and #72 behind, he was cutting three or four tenths off the leading duo’s advantage. Then it was Martin only as Bastianini got his own hammer down to glue back onto the Pramac… but then the #1’s dream was over in some seismic Championship drama.

After getting the gap to the front down below two seconds and then struggling to cut any more into it, there was suddenly a cloud of dust streaking into the air – and a reigning Champion in the gravel. Rider ok, but Emilia-Romagna GP over, Bagnaia was forced to watch the duel for Ducati’s 100th win from the sidelines, wondering if his deficit was going to be 24 points or 29 by the end of play.

At the front, the chess match raged on. Martin in the lead, Bastianini his shadow. With five to go, the #89 then lost every last inch of advantage as he headed slightly wide and Bastianini was almost alongside. A grandstand finish was in the making.

They stayed like that through another lap, and another, and another, and at times it looked like Martin had just been able to stretch out enough tenths to ensure he’d reach the flag without coming under attack. But Bastianini managed to find an answer every time, and onto the last lap it was almost nothing in it. But where would the move come?

The answer was Turn 4, and it was brutal. The Beast sent it, Martin had to sit up, and the #89 was sent well wide, hand in the air as Bastianini sailed away into a nice cushion of time in the lead. Controversial as it may be for some, it wasn’t so for the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards, who declined to investigate. The #23 takes a brutally-fought home win – extending his 100% MotoGP™ podium record at Misano, cutting his deficit in the title fight, and ensuring his teammate lost five less to Martin. As well as, of course, securing Ducati’s 100th MotoGP™ win and sealing that incredible sixth Constructors’ crown.

Martin was left to seethe at the move but celebrate the new 24-point advantage at the top, and Marc Marquez was bumped up to the podium after Bagnaia’s crash, another shift that has a say in those top echelons of the Championship. Just behind that, Bezzecchi took fourth, not quite able to stay with the #93 but putting in another solid weekend.

Fifth place, until the very last sector of the race, looked set to go to another stunning ride from Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™). But a late issue, reportedly running out of fuel, saw the Frenchman trying to hold on round the final corner and then forced to watch Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) pip him to the line. Quartararo nevertheless equals his and Yamaha’s best of the season so far: P7.

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) completed the top ten. Next up, an impressive P11 for Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) equal’s the factory’s best so far this season, and teammate Luca Marini was in touch behind him too. They both beat Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) and a sore Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who also had a Long Lap due to track limits, with Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) completing the points scorers.

Enea Bastianini P1

"This victory is a great achievement, because we built up to a crescendo this weekend. Yesterday we were missing something to battle for the win, but we worked until late in order to put all the pieces together and to find a solution ahead of today’s race, and it worked. Jorge (Martín) was extremely fast throughout the race and there was a moment in which I wasn’t sure if I could have stayed with him, as I started experiencing a bit of vibration at the rear-end. As the laps went by, however, I tried to understand how to minimise the issue. In the final laps, something extra obviously comes out that enables you to battle for the win. In the end, I made my move: when I dove in, Jorge tried to close the door and that forced me to lean a bit, which led to the front-end locking. I tried to rely on the rear as much as I could, while making sure I could make the turn, and it worked.”

Augusto Fernández P18

“I made a good start and I was fighting hard in a position where we could take out our pace, which I thought was better but then the vibration started again and it was difficult to ride. It limited me with my riding. Let’s work and see if we can improve for Indonesia.”

MOTO2
Vietti snatches a miraculous victory from Canet and Arbolino

Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took an unbelievable win at the Gran Premio Pramac dell’Emilia-Romagna in a drag race to the line. It was an instant classic after a photo finish after a brilliant final sector from the #13, who took his second victory of the season. The Italian won by a mere 0.029s from Aron Canet (Fantic Racing), with the #44 leading on the entry to the final corner. Meanwhile, Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) dropped to third after the #14 took the lead on Lap 1 before making a pivotal mistake on the final lap. Arbolino showed incredible pace throughout and took further Championship points.

At the start, Arbolino claimed the holeshot with a phenomenal launch from third on the grid. Once in the lead, the Italian put the hammer down, extending his gap to over half a second from Vietti, who was now in P2. The #13 leapfrogged Canet, who was now down to third after starting from pole.

Championship leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) made moves after a brilliant start from the third row of the grid, with the #79 grabbing fourth from Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors SpeedUp) - leaving the #54 chasing behind. It was a hot pace at the front, with Moto2™ delivering fantastic action for the Misano crowd.

There was early drama from Zonta Van Den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP), who crashed out in the early stages after a strong qualifying for the #84. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) also had a fall, crashing out on Lap 4 before Preicanos Racing Team’s Jaume Masia fell one lap later.

Then, on Lap 6 Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) crashed at Turn 1 as Jake Dixon’s (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) weekend also came to an early end at Turn 2 – riders ok. It was a huge blow to their Championship aspirations as Ogura extended his title advantage to 22 points as Dixon dropped to sixth in the standings.

The pace began to heat up at the front as the top three began to close, with Vietti edging closer every lap and bringing Arbolino’s lead down to two-tenths. It built for a tense finale as Vietti had an incredible save on Lap 17, dropping the #13 back to third - giving Arbolino crucial daylight from his rivals.

However, Arbolino made a mistake on Lap 19, dropping back to third and promoting Canet into the lead. Vietti made another mistake at the final corner, pulling off another remarkable save and promoting Arbolino into P2. The key move arrived on Lap 21, with Arbolino and Canet beginning their iconic duel for victory.

Everything came down to a dramatic final lap, with Vietti attempting a late charge for second position as Arbolino pushed to the limit. The Italian made a mistake and ran wide at Turn 14, gifting Canet P1 with a handful of corners to go. Vietti had other plans, with the Italian launching out the final corner and beating Canet in a drag race to the line.

Securing fourth was Ogura, with the Japanese star able to fend off Aldeguer throughout the Grand Prix after showing a red-hot pace throughout in the top five. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) bagged sixth place and is crucially now third position in the Championship standings. The American took the flag in front of Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP’s Senna Agius, with the Australian ending a brilliant ride to claim seventh at the line – 0.425s ahead of Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team). Meanwhile, the final spots inside the top 10 went the way of Alonso Lopez (MB Conveyors SpeedUp) and Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Filip Salac after another great ride from the #12.

Dennis Foggia P12

"It was a difficult race, in which I hoped to have a faster pace. We finished in the points and that's a good result. We start from here and go confidently to Indonesia, a track I like a lot."

Diogo Moreira NC

An unlucky day for Diogo who could have given a good performance, but severe pain prevented him from taking part in the race. Transported to hospital, he underwent thorough examinations, which revealed an inflammation of the appendix.

Jaume Masia NC

MOTO3 
Alonso fends off Piqueras in a Misano showdown

David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) has returned to glory at the Gran Premio Pramac dell’Emilia-Romagna after a brilliant display from the Colombian in a last-lap shootout. Alonso grabbed victory and extended his title advantage to 82 points in the process after pipping Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing). The #36 was unable to make it back to back-to-back victories in Misano – missing out by 0.175s. Meanwhile, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) claimed a late podium after Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Daniel Holgado was demoted one position for exceeding track limits on the final lap.

As the lights went out, it was a perfect launch from Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), who grabbed the lead after starting from pole position. Furusato was fending off Championship leader Alonso on the opening lap as the #80 began to edge closer – taking the lead on Lap 2.

Meanwhile, there was high drama at the start, with David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) crashing at Turn 2, bringing an end to hopes of a top-five finish. The #64 would have to serve a double Long Lap after an incident at the San Marino GP last time out. The #64 was not the only rider to fall in the early stages, with Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia) and Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) crashing in the opening laps.

Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was the rider on the move in the early stages, with the #96 carving through the field after starting from P11 on the grid. Holgado reeled in the leaders and hit the front at the end of Lap 4, with Leopard Racing’s Adrian Fernandez and Piqueras beginning to make moves - pushing Alonso back to fifth.

Positions were exchanged at every opportunity, with the fastest lap changing hands throughout and Piqueras having his turn in P1. Furusato and Fernandez made contact on Lap 9, dropping both riders outside the top five. Meanwhile, Alonso put the hammer down, with the pace increasing after the #80 retook P1.

There was high drama in the closing stages, with four riders remaining in the lead group, including Holgado, who reclaimed the lead on the penultimate lap as Alonso dropped back to P3. Meanwhile, Veijer was sitting comfortably in fourth, pushing hard to enter the podium battle.

It was a show-stopping final lap, with Alonso fighting back, reclaiming P1 with Piqueras now hot on his tail. However, Alonso remained unstoppable on the last lap after he put together the perfect final sector, fending off Piqueras to charge to victory in yet another thrilling in Misano. The #36 held onto second at the line as Veijer made his return to the podium.

Holgado was demoted to fourth at the line, missing out on a rostrum finish, to the disappointment of the Spaniard. Meanwhile, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) rounded out a talented top five, finishing less than three seconds adrift from the win. The #48 crossed the line to beat Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) in yet another standout ride from the Italian at home. Lunetta crossed the line marginally ahead of BOE Motorsports’ Joel Kelso, with the Aussie earning himself a seventh-place finish. Meanwhile- Fernandez was able to recover to eighth after earlier drama with Furusato.

The final spots inside the top 10 were claimed by Matteo Bertelle (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Further back, Furusato finished in 13th after the pole sitter was handed a Long Lap for exceeding track limits. Muñoz’ would have an early end to the day after the #64 crashed for the second time.

Adrian Fernandez P8

“The race was going very well, it was a pity that a contact from another rider made us drop positions. Afterwards, I had a hard time catching the pace that they had put in the front. In any case, we continue gaining experience and learning for the next races. We’re almost there, and we’ll keep working to make it happen”.

Riccardo Rossi P23

Tatchakorn Buasri NC

"Today was not a good day, to be honest. It started well; we made some adjustments to the bike, and during the warm-up, I felt confident. I managed to overtake some riders at the start of the race. However, around Turn 10, I saw a group of riders battling, and as I tried to overtake from the outside, another rider collided with me, hitting my elbow and causing me to crash. The positive takeaway is that we’ve found a good setup for the bike. Hopefully, we can find our pace from day one at Mandalika and have a better result next week."