MotoGP: Home glory for Bezzecchi as more records tumble with Michelin at Mugello
The Brembo Grand Prix of Italy – Round 7 of the MotoGPTM World Championship – was won by Marco Bezzecchi in front of home fans. The Italian was joined on the Mugello podium by Aprilia Racing team-mate Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), as Michelin's MotoGPTM slicks took the weekend's hot weather in their stride. Read on for more about what happened in Italy...
Bezzecchi followed up his second pole-position of the year – thanks to a new track record (1m43.921s) – with a strong start to Sunday's 23-lap race.
Having chosen the medium MICHELIN Power Slick front and rear like the rest of the field, the Italian was passed by Bagnaia on Lap 3 but managed to recover the lead 11 laps later. Once back in front, the Aprilia rider put the grip and consistency of his tires to maximum effect to post a series of quick times that helped him to cross the line by a winning margin of 3.5 seconds over Martin. Bezzecchi's fourth victory of the campaign was also his first at Mugello.
Martin produced a solid display from third on the grid to secure second spot, having given prior notice of his ambitions in free practice on Saturday morning when he clocked a new outright MotoGP speed record (368.6kph).
The Spaniard enabled Aprilia to add a one-two triumph to its landmark maiden success at its home circuit.
After leading briefly, Bagnaia ended up third, chased by Ai Ogura (TrackHouse MotoGP Team) who produced a remarkable fightback from 13th on the grid. Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team's Fabio Di Giannantonio rounded out the day's top five.
Raul Fernandez (TrackHouse MotoGP Team) won the previous day's sprint but had to settle for ninth on Sunday after a mistake at lights-out.
Michelin's tires demonstrated their potential over all three days, initially contributing to MotoGP's new top-speed benchmark in Free Practice (Martin), before helping Bezzecchi to establish a new Mugello track record in qualifying. Sunday's grand prix saw three riders better the previous fastest race-lap record, with Bagnaia ultimately posting a 1m45.470s.
Given the high track temperature for the main race, all the riders opted for the medium compound front and rear.
Bezzecchi tops the provisional Riders' standings on 173 points, tailed by Martin (156) and Di Giannantonio (134).
Next round: Grand Prix of Hungary, Balaton Park (June 5-7).