We'll never get used to this

Another all-Ducati podium with five of our bikes in the top five positions. No, we'll never get used to this, nor would we want to, it's too good and would be lacking in respect for the awesome work everyone is doing: 19th consecutive win, the 30th in the last 31 races, preceded by the 10th hat-trick in a row in Saturday's short race. A sign of class, that of Marc, a photocopy of his success in Thailand in a back-to-back weekend, imposing himself on everything and everyone, scoring pole, sprint, race and fastest lap. Stellar his talent and masterful his conduct, dictated by an innate authority as well as intelligence and sensitivity in managing his actions and resources, anticipating exactly the way in which it all had to end. A champion, great confidence with the bike and, what’s more, steady tranquillity: the same that he expresses on and off the track, the same that he transmits to the team and that the team returns, the same that makes him feel good and win with unwavering confidence. This is his 90th win in MotoGP, much as if it were his first!

That feeling, instead, yet to be regained by Pecco, saddening me as much as Marc's overpowering start thrills me. I will not be satisfied with our results, no matter how excellent they already are, until we have provided him with the possibility of showing his full potential on the track, allowing him to contend on an equal footing and to occupy the positions he deserves in the battle between Champions. We are working relentlessly on this, satisfying steps have been taken this weekend, but there is still work to be done before the goal is reached, and I can assure everyone that our best efforts will be pitched to reach this as soon as possible: with all due respect, Pecco cannot and should not have to work so hard for a third place, moreover without attaining it, even allowing for the fact that this is a track anything but congenial to him.

In this race, with strong and contrasting aspects, we discovered splendid performances by Alex Marquez and Morbidelli, highlighting the sterling work of the Gresini Racing MotoGP team and VR46 Racing Team. Congratulations to everyone, a fine performance indeed! Alex's race, perhaps his finest ever, worthy of framing. He tenaciously wrestled for victory, showing not only the talent we know so well but, in playing it to the end, also the maturity of a veteran: the only one who has so far been able to cause a granitic Marc some concern.

Franco has returned to the podium after a long absence: just thinking of this makes me emotional, knowing his flair and considering the negative vicissitudes from which he is determinedly emerging. This is the reward for his excellent start to the season, the credit for which must also go to the trust and serenity shown him by the team. 

Certainly a good run for Diggia as well, who completes our “manita” in Argentina with a finish that honours his skill and fighting spirit. 

Forza Ducati!