There is no history in the Dutch Grand Prix: Pecco Bagnaia completes a perfect weekend, with pole position and victory in the Sprint Race, also winning the long race for the third consecutive year. On the Assen circuit, the driver of the Ducati he imposes himself in front of the Spaniard Jorge Martin (Ducati-Pramac), the only one who tries to resist him, and his teammate Enea Bastianini, who completes the podium.
Fourth place for the Spaniard of the Ducati-Gresini team Marc Marquez that is left behind Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ducati-VR 46) and his Aprilia compatriot Maverick Vinales. Completing the top ten are South African KTM rider Brad Binder, Spanish Ducati-Gresini team rider Alex Marquez, Spanish Aprilia rider Raul Fernandez and Franco Morbidelli (Ducati-Pramac). After this race Martin remains at the top of the world ranking with 200 points, 10 ahead of Bagnaia. The gap is getting smaller and smaller.
Then a twist changes the standings. Marc Marquez, fourth at the finish line, is penalized by 16 seconds “due to incorrect tire pressure.” Therefore the Spaniard from Ducati Gresini slips to 10th place.
“I enjoyed everything about this weekend. I thank all my fans, because they are always fantastic. I had a lot of fun and I was fast since Friday. My times were great and the choice of tyre today was right” Bagnaia’s words at the end of the race. The two-time world champion also equalled Australian Casey Stoner in terms of number of victories with Ducati (23).
The race
Great start from pole for Bagnaia but also for Martin, who in a few laps jumps to second position. Another fall for Bezzecchi after those of Saturday’s qualifying and Sprint. Then the bike also starts to smoke. Retirement and a weekend to forget for the rider from Rimini. Di Giannantonio takes the stage and also overtakes Marquez and takes third position behind Bagnaia and Martin.
Meanwhile Bagnaia laps half a second faster than his pursuers and has a second and 3 tenths on Martin. Marquez continues to be threatening behind Di Giannantonio. Followed by Vinales, Acosta, Bastianini and Binder. Bagnaia is unstoppable and continues to increase his lead on Martin: 1 second and 6 tenths of a second. On lap 19 Marquez passes Di Giannantonio but in turn is overtaken by Vinales. The strategy of the Spaniard today is enigmatic, as he seems not to want to lead the group that is fighting for the podium.
Pecco continues with a 2 second margin over Martin. Behind there is a big fight for 3rd place with overtaking and counter-overtaking. Bastianini took fourth position, Marquez got in on Di Giannantonio who had overtaken him. On lap 22 Bastianini passes Vinales and takes the podium. Bagnaia in control, the gap on Martin remains at 2 seconds. Meanwhile, Bastianini tries to pull ahead of Vinales and secure 3rd place. The Ducati rider remained firmly in the lead until the end ahead of Martin in 2nd. Bastianini third, Marc Marquez 4th, Vinales 5th, Di Giannantonio 6th.
Order of arrival
1. Pecco Bagnaia (Ita) Ducati in 40’07″214 at an average speed of 176.6 km/h
2. Jorge Martin (Esp) Ducati a 3″676
3. Enea Bastianini (Ita) Ducati 7″073
4. Marc Marquez (Esp) Ducati 7″868 *relegated to 10th place
5. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ita) Ducati 8″299
6. Maverick Vinales (Esp) Aprilia 8″258
7. Brad Binder (Rsa) Ktm 16″005
8. Alex Marquez (Esp) Ducati 21″095
9. Raul Fernandez (Esp) Aprilia 22″368
10. Franco Morbidelli (Ita) Ducati 23″413
Fastest lap: Bagnaia (lap 12) in 1’31″866 at an average speed of 177.9 km/h
Drivers’ standings
1. Jorge Martin (Esp) 200 points
2. Francesco Bagnaia (Ita) 190
3. Marc Marquez (Esp) 149
4. Enea Bastianini (Ita) 136
5. Maverick Vinales (Esp) 117
6. Pedro Acosta (Esp) 101
7. Brad Binder (Rsa) 98
8. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ita) 90
9. Aleix Espargaro (Esp) 82
10. Alex Marquez (Esp) 61
Manufacturers ranking
1. Ducati 278
2. Aprilia 155
3. Ktm 153
4. Yamaha 43
5. Honda 22
