MotoGP: Misano GP roundup
Misano always seems to deliver exciting racing and championship plot twists, and the trend continued today for the first of two consecutive races on the Adriatic Coast.
Moto3 –
John McPhee took his first win of the season in a calculated ride, working his way from 17th on the grid to strike at the right time and deny Ai Ogura his first win. Ogura himself was impressive, taking his first pole position on Saturday to give himself a very good chance, and at one point he got shuffled to 10th place before recovering well. Tatsuki Suzuki rounded off the podium to take his second consecutive podium at the Misano circuit in 2 years, Paolo Simoncelli’s team getting another trophy at the circuit named in honour of his late son Marco seemed fitting again. Elsewhere, championship leader Albert Arenas crashed after making contact with Tony Arbolino at turn 3, and then was on the dirty part of the track with no grip and went down the next corner. Gresini Racing had an excellent day, with Jeremy Alcoba and Gabriel Rodrigo rounding out the top 5, the best finish of the season for both those men.
Full results here.
Moto2 –
Sky Racing Team VR46 had the day of their dreams, finishing 1st and 2nd with Luca Marini taking the win to extend his championship lead. He didn’t have it all his own way though, with team-mate Marco Bezzecchi biting at his heels most of the race, even passing him when Marini went wide due to a false neutral. But Marini had a little in hand and was able to get back in front to win. Ducati-bound Enea Bastianini rounded out the podium, closing right up to the rear wheel of Bezzecchi on the final lap but being unable to make the pass. Xavi Vierge had his best ride in Petronas colours so far, keeping Bastianini honest all race and just missing out on the podium to come home 4th. Augusto Fernandez rounded out the top 5, to ensure Marc VDS had a good day in the end after Sam Lowes took an extremely impressive 8th after starting from pit lane.
Full results here.
MotoGP –
Franco Morbidelli took his maiden win in the MotoGP class, at home in Misano, ahead of fellow VR46 Academy rider Pecco Bagnaia. A perfect day for the man who Valentino Rossi took under his wing and moulded into a Moto2 World Champion. The academy boys were joined on the podium by the impressive Joan Mir, taking 3rd on the final lap from the impressive Rossi to exorcise the demons of Austria and grab the podium he has richly deserved. Rossi was 2nd for much of the race before being shuffled back late in the race, but he was able to hold off Alex Rins to come home 4th, and with Rins in 5th it was the first time this year both Suzuki’s had occupied the top 5. The championship leader coming into Misano was Fabio Quartararo, but he has left with his grip relinquished after crashing twice in the race, handing the lead over to the subdued Andrea Dovizioso.
Full results here.
MotoE –
Reigning champion Matteo Ferrari took the win to close up on championship leader Domi Aegerter after Aegerter could only manage 3rd after a poor qualifying. Ferrari struck at the right time to pass Mattia Casadei for the lead, as Casadei went backwards towards the end. He was joined on the middle step of the podium by Xavier Simeon, his first podium in the LCR MotoE colours. Jordi Torres did well on the Pons machine to come home 4th and Casadei will be disappointed to have finished 5th, after being so strong while in the lead. Eric Granado did himself no favours at all, having his Superpole lap scrubbed for track limits and being forced to start last, he could only muster 10th.
Featured image- www.motogp.com
