AUSTIN (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – Marc Marquez continues his winning streak and also triumphs in the Sprint Race of the Grand Prix of the Americas (in 20’29″509), thus remaining on a full score after five races held. At the Austin circuit, the Spaniard once again beat his brother Alex (+0″795), second ahead of a resurgent Pecco Bagnaia (+1″918).
The margin by which Marc won should not mislead. The Sprint, in fact, was very heated and entertaining in the early stages, thanks to the splendid start of Bagnaia, who managed for a few corners to savor the primacy lost in the first outings of the season. Also on the first lap, moreover, Marquez risked a fall, miraculously remaining in the saddle.
In the post-race, the Cervera rider spoke of a track with worse conditions than in previous rounds: “The feeling with the track was strange and different than this morning and yesterday. The important thing was not to overdo it and open a small gap on my rivals. Tomorrow the race will be harder.” The foundation for the Spaniard’s success had already been built in the afternoon with his third consecutive pole in 2’01″088. Marquez thus became the first rider in history to seal eight poles on the same circuit.
Alex Marquez has gotten used to it by now, finishing second behind his brother for the umpteenth time. It’s a result that nevertheless satisfies the Gresini rider, who has historically suffered at the Texas track: “Doing second on this track is equivalent to winning. Marc has something more here than the rest of us.”
Signs of awakening are finally coming from Pecco Bagnaia, author on the first lap of an incredible overtake at turn three on Marc Marquez, as well as an apt start from the sixth box. “That overtake on Marc gave me taste. I got a good start, but in the first three laps I struggled to find rhythm. I’m pleased, though, with the improvements I’m seeing. For the first time this year I was able to be incisive.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s effort, the Chivasso rider identified the first sector as the most critical point on the track for his performance. In fourth was Fabio Di Giannantonio (+8″536), followed by his teammate, Franco Morbidelli (+9″685), in fifth.
For much of the race, however, Fabio Quartararo found himself battling with the two Team Vr46 Ducatis, eventually surrendering in sixth place, but still leading the Yamaha into lofty positions. In order, completing today’s top ten were Pedro Acosta, Luca Marini, Ai Ogura and Marco Bezzecchi. The appointment with the “long” race is set for tomorrow night at 9 p.m.
L’ORDINE DI ARRIVO
Marc Marquez (Ducati) 20’29″509
Alex Marquez (Ducati) +0″795
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) +1″918
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ducati) +8″536
Franco Morbidelli (Ducati) +9″685
Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) +10″676
Pedro Acosta (Ktm) +12″049
Luca Marini (Honda) +13″588
Ai Ogura (Aprilia) +13″752
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) +14″584
LA CLASSIFICA PILOTI AGGIORNATA
Marc Marquez (Esp) 86 punti
Alex Marquez (Esp) 67
Francesco Bagnaia (Ita) 50
Franco Morbidelli (Ita) 42
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ita) 28
Johann Zarco (Fra) 25
Brad Binder (Rsa) 19
Ai Ogura (Jpn) 18
Pedro Acosta (Esp) 16
Marco Bezzecchi (Ita) 14
-Photo IPA Agency-.
(ITALPRESS).
