Starting from pole position, Italian rider Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) completed a solo race to win the Dutch MotoGP Grand Prix on Sunday June 26. The Italian Marco Bezzechi (Ducati-VR46) and the Spaniard Maverick Vinales (Aprilia) complete the podium.
Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha), defending champion and world championship leader, retired after falling twice at mid-race on the Assen track, 11e round of the year (out of 20). After a double in Germany last week, the Habs were not at the party this time: in addition to Quartararo, Johann Zarco (Ducati-Pramac), left 5eonly finished 13e.
Starting second on the starting grid, Quartararo fell to 5e then to 13e lap out of 26. Even if he quickly got back on his feet, he had to give up after this second accident. This is the first time this year that the championship leader has given up, having entered the top 10 at each of the Grands Prix.
Impressive fall but without gravity
The Frenchman got off to a bad start and was quickly overtaken by Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia). It was while trying to recover his second place, in an attempt to overtake on the inside of a bend, that the 23-year-old rider lost control of his bike and ended up in the gravel. Back on his bike after a pit stop, he left in last position. A few laps later, “El Diablo” fell alone this time. An impressive fall in the same bend but without apparent injury.
Hit by the French on his first fault, Aleix Espargaro did not fall, but he tumbled in the 15the place, before making a fantastic comeback, to finish 4e. “I made a rookie mistake, it’s with these mistakes that you learn. I went to apologize to Aleix Espargaro because he could have been the winner today if not for my mistake”said the Frenchman after the Canal+ microphone race.
Impressive fall of Fabio Quartararo! The 2nd for him during this #DutchGP ? Driver OK! #DutchGP ??… https://t.co/EgVK3NSnZL
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati), who started from pole position, took the opportunity to lead the race more easily. After two Grands Prix in Catalonia and Germany, from which he returned empty-handed, the Italian driver had to strike a blow not to give up his dreams of the world crown. Sixth in the championship before this race, he signs the good operation of the weekend, before the Grand Prix which will take place in Great Britain, on August 7: his victory – the 5e for him in MotoGP – allows him to return to 4e place in the world championship standings.
Despite his retirement, Fabio Quartararo retains the lead in the championship, with 172 points. With his 4e place in the Netherlands, Aleix Espargaro gains 13 points on the Frenchman and is now 21 points behind. Johann Zarco is 3e with 114 points.