Marquez Mugello Masterpiece: #93 claims 93rd win in Italian GP

It was a dream weekend for the six-time MotoGP champion, as the Ducati rider clinched the Italian Grand Prix, his first win in Mugello in 11 years. Marc Marquez faced early heat from his brother, Gresini’s Alex Marquez, and teammate Francesco Bagnaia, dodging their moves like a pro. A slip-up by Bagnaia handed Marc the lead, and the six-time champ zoomed off, untouchable. Alex settled for second, while VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio swooped in for a shock podium, stealing third from Bagnaia’s grasp.

MotoGP Italy: A Ducati face-off

It’s been two contrasting seasons for Marc Marquez and his teammate Bagnaia. Marquez has won five out of nine races so far, while the two-time MotoGP world champion has only won the US GP. Things looked different at Mugello as the local favourite, Bagnaia, was all fired up from the word go and went toe-to-toe with Marquez, where the Spaniard got the better of his teammate on Turn 1.

Bagnaia was in no mood to play the second fiddle and overtook Marquez in Turn 2. Till Lap 3, both the Ducati riders were swapping places, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Bagnaia made a mistake as his motorcycle’s front tyre touched Marquez’s rear, which slowed him down and allowed Alex Marquez to overtake him.

This only charged up Bagnaia further as he zipped passed Alex in the next lap and then overtook Marc Marquez to take the lead. He led the pack briefly as the Italian lost his place to Marc Marquez in the last turn. In the initial part of the race, all three riders had taken the lead, but it was Marc who broke the shackles and never looked back.  

MotoGP Italy: Late charge from Di Giannantonio

When it rains, it pours. This is how Bagnaia must be feeling as he has the opportunity to win the race to slipping out of the top three. Bad news for the factory Ducati rider was that he lacked the pace in the last two laps, which was like Christmas came early for Di Giannantonio. The VR46 rider went all in after being in fourth place for most of the race. After the race, Di Giannantonio said that he noticed Pecco struggling, especially with the front end. With Bagnaia coming in fourth, it was Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi who rounded up the top five.