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We like the Mugello track, the food, the show that the fans put on, the great atmosphere, the rivers of people flowing into the circuit. What we don't like about Mugello, to use Marquez's words, is the fact that a rider who crashes gets more applause than one who wins. This is all we'll say about the booing, in the hope that those intelligent enough to understand have already done so.
Let's talk instead about the Ducati double, something we've never seen before, and Lorenzo who wins on his 24th attempt with the red bike, or Marquez's mistake and Dovizioso making up points, a very fast Valentino who reached the podium, Iannone and Petrucci battling it out to the bitter end, Bezzecchi and Bagnaia still respective championship leaders, Pasini's crash at the crucial moment, the podiums for Baldassarri and Di Giannantonio.
Let's talk about a fantastic party and a great show.
THE GOOD – Gondolier on Wednesday, helmsman who powers his Ducati out of the tidal wave come Sunday. Jorge Lorenzo must have been inspired by Giotto, born not far from the Mugello circuit, as he painted the lines of the Tuscan track. The Majorcan dug deep and was able to tame the Desmosedici. Whether it was the new engine, his injured pride and the stars aligning, when Jorge rides like this it's always something worth seeing.
THE UGLY – Eight Italians in the top ten in Moto3, five in the top ten in Moto2, four in the first 7 in MotoGP. And no victory. It's quantity with quality but without the icing on the cake. One year ago, the local contingent had proved a hit come Sunday but the music changed somewhat this time around.
THE BAD – They know how to build bike in Ducati but not how to manage their riders. After the soap opera that was Dovizioso's contract renewal, Mugello brought the reality show on Lorenzo's divorce. A format that's popular, Iannone having already tried it with Suzuki a few days before. The collective psychodrama should soon be over. Thankfully.
THE DISAPPOINTMENT – While the red camp were celebrating, it was a black day for Aprilia. Tyre issues and crashed meant that none of the Noale manufacturer's riders crossed the line. In 6 Grand Prix, Aleix Espargarò and Scott Redding have scored a total of 18 points between them. The impression is that the RS-GP hasn't yet revealed its potential, but patience is not a particularly appreciated quality in the racing world.
THE CONFIRMATION – We know he was fast, now we know he's also a great strategist. Marco Bezzecchi wasn't even an outside a few months ago, now he's among the favourites. He played a smart game at Mugello, he missed out on the win by a fraction of a second but we won't hold that against him. First Bagnaia, and now Mahindra has produced another champion in training. It's a pity the Indian manufacturer has pulled out.
THE MISTAKE – If you have a dog, you can't complain when it barks, if you have Marquez, you can't complain if he crashes. Although his moves sometimes go against the laws of physics, Newton's laws got the better of the Spaniard at Mugello, Marc losing the bet as well as many points. Luckily he had some to spare.
THE SURPRISE – On Saturday, he just missed out on Q2, on Sunday he reached the points zone. Not bad considering that, just a few days prior, Tito Rabat had turned his Ducati into a barbecue and damaged the muscles in his arm.
THE PASS – Petrucci's double pass on Iannone and Rossi. So great it deserves another watch.
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THE INTERESTING FACT – With his 230th career podium, Valentino Rossi has reached 5000 points. The question is how many casserole dishes he'll receive?
I TOLD YOU SO – “I won't be crazy in the race, I'll manage my advantage”. For Marc Marquez, the line between lucidity and madness is a very fine one.
