Points for Moreira, Mir and Marini at Mugello
Autodromo Internazionale del MugelloDiogo Moreira highest placed Honda rider, finishing inside the top-ten at the Grand Prix of Italy
Once again Diogo Moreira proved to be the highest placed Honda rider, with another strong ride at Mugello. The Brazilian rider lined up on the grid in eighth place and a determined start, aiming to secure a strong points finish. Although the Pro Honda LCR rider struggled with tyre wear throughout the race, he was able to manage it intelligently and crossed the line in tenth place.
From 15th on the grid, Joan Mir maintained his position in the melee of the opening laps, battling early on with his teammate and several of the Yamaha riders. Finding some clean air and space on track, the #36 settled into his race rhythm and was able to make steady progress towards Moreira and Binder battling for the top ten. A three-way battle for top Honda honours erupted between Mir, Marini and Moreira with the LCR rider grabbing an advantage right at the end of the race. Ending in 12th, Mir leaves Mugello with another race finish and a wealth of data heading to Hungary.
A rocket ship start saw Luca Marini gain seven positions from 19th on the grid over the course of just a single lap as he immediately set his sights on the top ten. Unfortunately, he would be sent wide just a few laps later by Raul Fernandez, running into the gravel at Turn 10 and having to restart his comeback again. Head down, the #10 joined his teammate and Diogo Moreira in battling for top Honda honours but would ultimately have to settle for 13th as his charges through the field took the best of his tyre life.
It was a demanding day for Cal Crutchlow, filling in for the injured Johann Zarco, who made a strong start and worked to maintain a consistent pace throughout the early stages of the race. The Brit was also dealing with a muscle tear near his left scapula, which was identified after the morning warm-up session. Despite his efforts to push through the discomfort, he was ultimately unable to reach the finish.
There is no rest for the MotoGP riders, as they now head straight to Balaton Park, Hungary, with track action commencing in only a few days time.
I had fun today, but it was challenging to manage everything perfectly and maintain a good pace until the end. I did my best, learned a lot from riding behind strong rivals and battling with them, and we secured a top-10 finish in Sunday’s race, which is important. We’re working really well, and we need to keep going in this direction.
I had fun today, but it was challenging to manage everything perfectly and maintain a good pace until the end. I did my best, learned a lot from riding behind strong rivals and battling with them, and we secured a top-10 finish in Sunday’s race, which is important. We’re working really well, and we need to keep going in this direction.
We’ve had a tough weekend, so we can take some positives from the end of today. I kept my cool at the start and worked on settling into my own pace, avoiding any crazy risks. Step by step I was able to move forward and close in on the top ten which I knew was our maximum given the overall feeling of the weekend. Like this I reached the group battling for the top ten and started battling with them, but I didn’t quite have enough tyre left under me to take the maximum from this battle. Diogo and I had a good battle, and I am happy to bring the bike home.
We’ve had a tough weekend, so we can take some positives from the end of today. I kept my cool at the start and worked on settling into my own pace, avoiding any crazy risks. Step by step I was able to move forward and close in on the top ten which I knew was our maximum given the overall feeling of the weekend. Like this I reached the group battling for the top ten and started battling with them, but I didn’t quite have enough tyre left under me to take the maximum from this battle. Diogo and I had a good battle, and I am happy to bring the bike home.
An amazing start and first few corners this race meant I was able to gain a lot of positions and I was feeling really comfortable on the bike, my position on track, everything because it wasn’t easy. On lap four or so I got sent into the gravel by Fernandez and I had to do everything again, pushing a lot to catch Mir and Moreira. When I arrived to them the front right of the tyre was finished and no matter what I tried I couldn’t do more. It’s a pity because before the incident I was in a good position, this is racing and the positive is that we were able to recover twice. We try again in Hungary.
An amazing start and first few corners this race meant I was able to gain a lot of positions and I was feeling really comfortable on the bike, my position on track, everything because it wasn’t easy. On lap four or so I got sent into the gravel by Fernandez and I had to do everything again, pushing a lot to catch Mir and Moreira. When I arrived to them the front right of the tyre was finished and no matter what I tried I couldn’t do more. It’s a pity because before the incident I was in a good position, this is racing and the positive is that we were able to recover twice. We try again in Hungary.
I knew the race was going to be challenging after not feeling at my best this morning. I tried to maintain a consistent pace and make it to the finish, but it was really difficult. Overall, the weekend was positive, we achieved what we needed to do, I enjoyed being back on the bike, and I felt at home with the LCR family.
I knew the race was going to be challenging after not feeling at my best this morning. I tried to maintain a consistent pace and make it to the finish, but it was really difficult. Overall, the weekend was positive, we achieved what we needed to do, I enjoyed being back on the bike, and I felt at home with the LCR family.
