The challenge between the two has been going on since yesterday, head to head in front of the clock in each practice session. This afternoon, in qualifying at Mugello, the tug-of-war between Quartararo and Bagnaia began to get harder. It was the Frenchman who won his fourth consecutive pole position thanks to a record time of 1’45 ”187, even if this is perhaps worth more having obtained it in the home of the enemy Ducati. «It was the best lap of my life, I was on the limit everywhere – commented the Yamaha Frenchman -. I wanted to do this pole, it’s important for the race and I enjoyed it ».
Pecco, however, missed the first position by just over two tenths and in all the shifts he proved to have a reference pace. «I’m happy, I think Fabio will be the main opponent tomorrow but today I improved. In qualifying I found many riders following me, I think I helped them enough – he joked -. In any case, this 2nd place is the best possible result for today ». Tomorrow he will have his brand mate Johann Zarco at his side, who took the last available seat in the front row.
A result which Aprilia missed by a tenth with Aleix Espargaró who gave more than 100%, despite the imperfect physical conditions due to a recent operation on his right arm, to solve the problem of compartment syndrome. The Spaniard managed to keep Jack Miller, winner of the last two races, behind him, and Brad Binder with the revived Ktm, who also defended himself with Oliveira, 7th and immediately behind his teammate. The Portuguese will open the third row in front of Rins and Mir’s Suzuki, while in fourth there will be Franco Morbidelli in front of Marquez’s Hondas (who got up from Q1, infuriating Viñales after succeeding in taking advantage of his tow) and Pol Epsargaró.
Maverick was unable to enter the decisive round and has to settle for 13th place ahead of Ducati rookie Enea Bastianini, while Michele Pirro (also on the red to replace the injured Martin) is 16th ahead of Luca Marini and Petrucci. The disappointing weekend at home for Valentino Rossi continues: the 18th time is the mirror of a crisis from which he finds no way out.
Tomorrow the race will start at 2 pm and will be visible live on Sky, TV8 and Dazn.