Tears and gravel. Like the one in which Bagnaia’s dreams of glory and Rossi’s hopes ended up buried. Like the one in which Morbidelli lost several seconds and every chance. In MotoGP there was no joy for the Italians, unless we’re talking about Dovizioso continuing to lead the table, which is a mystery equal only to that of the Bermuda Triangle, but it seems that this time no aliens are involved…
So, after 7 races, Maverick Vinales took his revenge, Mir took another step along the road to the World Championship while Quartararo was betrayed by the green zone, much to the pleasure of Pol Espargarò.
Better to think of Moto2, and Bastianini, Bezzecchi and Marini. Or Moto3, with (look who’s here again!) Fenati and Vietti. Or MotoE, where there is Ferrari, but this time with Casadei.
Better to think about everything, but not about MotoGP.
THE GOOD – The lawn has been watered abundantly, and flowers are sprouting in the shade of the trees. Their names are Enea Bastiani, Marco Bezzecchi, Luca Marini, and Celestino Vietti. They have different colours, but they are all young and fast. So even when the present residents of MotoGP don’t produce a smile, you just need to look to the future to feel more relaxed.
THE BAD – At least in Honda they have the excuse of not having Marc Marquez, but what can they come up with in the factory Ducati team? Dovizioso and Petrucci will no longer be there next year, but the lack of results is already prevalent this season. Andrea can at least console himself with first place in the World Championship, so he doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry, Danilo not even that. Both are (much) better than that and they still have half the season to show it. It’s the last chance, at least for the Men in Red.
THE UGLY – As if stomach pains weren’t enough, Aleix Espargarò was responsible for increasing his heartburn. After a perfect weekend, Franco Morbidelli had to dribble round all the problems and his opponents in the race. There we saw a good comeback, and regret for not having seen him again in the positions he deserved.
THE DISAPPOINTMENT – Now that the Suzuki goes like the wind, Alex Rins has disappeared. From the top areas of the classification, getting lost at the back of the grid, showing a certain amount of greyness that is not only on the GSX-RR’s fairing but also on his results. Alex, all you need is a little colour, a smile, a good race, otherwise Mir’s shadow will completely obscure you…
THE CONFIRMATION – Just missing out on pole, a crash that cost him a win, two mistakes that would be worth a 0, like the points brought home. But the man who dominated the Emilia Romagna GP remains Pecco Bagnaia. The rider from Piedmont and the Ducati seem made for each other, the first few rounds didn’t end with a kiss, but it’s only a matter of time for it to happen.
THE MISTAKE – In the home of Rossi-Marini there were a couple of blue pen errors, a color that this time has nothing to do with the wonder pill. Valentino went tumbling into the gravel, Luca frankly made an incomprehensible tire choice. This time we are obliged to send them to bed without dinner.
THE SURPRISE – Sometimes they come back, and they do so in style. Romano Fenati doesn’t like normal things, like overtaking on the inside. Two years ago, in Misano he was portrayed as a devil, on Sunday he looked like an angel. He’s just a rider, but a good one and he should remember that more often.
THE PASS – There are those who have the habit of smoking, others gambling, others drinking. Joan Mir has the habit of overtaking Yamahas, which has no particular side effects unless you ride an M1. Last Sunday it was Valentino, this Sunday Quartararo, both fantastic. After all, with qualifications like Joan’s, overtaking is a necessity.
THE CURIOSITY – Hollywood calls, Morbidelli answers. Spike Lee liked the helmet, told him and even deserved a caricature for the second race. Franco did the right thing…
I TOLD YOU SO – On Tuesday Andrea assured us: “On Sunday you will see a different Dovizioso”. Different maybe but no faster.
