Pole and track record: stronger than the Ducati revolution, than the stomach aches and anger of the paddock, than Martin’s desire for revenge, than Marquez’s sporting wickedness. Pecco Bagnaia is impregnable. Double lust. In qualifying in Assen, the Cathedral of Speed, the world champion clocked a stratospheric 1’30”540, shattering the clocks and the predictions of the most optimistic, who claimed it could go under one minute and 31 seconds. He literally flies on his Gp24, after having also impressed in the free practice session and not to mention Friday as a dominator: «I immediately felt good, I’m finally reaping the fruits of a lot of work». Only Martinator can keep up with him: the Prima Pramac team rider closes at 81 thousandths, behind the pair there is a void. Vinales with the Aprilia conquers a precious front row, 411 thousandths behind the leader. Marc Marquez disappoints: for the Ducati rider from Gresini only the 7th time and the third row on the grid: the Cannibal even tumbled in the gravel, after trying an absurd overtaking on the inside on Aleix Espargaro who – again with the RS-GP Noale – achieved an encouraging fifth position behind the youngest Marquez, Alex. Second row also for Di Giannantonio, who moved up from Q1.
Bagnaia: «Pole ok, but race pace is better»
Bagnaia hadn’t taken pole since last autumn in Malaysia: «9 races have passed since then, it was really needed. But it is essential to be fast on the race pace: I expected to set great times and I expected Martin to always be effective in the time attack. When you go so fast, it’s better to push hard from the start.” He’s a bit angry with the riders who slowed down to catch up with him and Jorge: «It’s not nice to look at», then he talks about the sprint which starts today at 3pm: «Maverick is fast and constant, he will be the opponent more dangerous”.
Martin: «On this track Pecco is incredible»
Martin, nerves of steel and open throttle: «But here Pecco is incredible, on another level: 3 tenths of a second difference in his favor». The rider from Madrid is not the type to give up. «I feel in great shape, compared to yesterday my bike is much more stable. I continue to progress, today I’m aiming for the podium». A place in the top 3 is also Vinales’ goal: «I expected a bit more from qualifying, but I had some problems with the brake. I’m still on the front row, that’s what I wanted. We want to take another step forward, to be there with the Ducatis». Worth noting is Morbidelli’s good 8th time, while Bastianini (11th) will start from the fourth row. Bezzecchi (15th) is in more difficulty, trapped in Q1, while Marini with the Honda at least manages to get behind Augusto Fernandez and Nakagami.
