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Qualifying had not been friendly at Mugello for the two Italian riders of the Pertamina VR46 team. For Marco Bezzecchi, the start from the 16th grid slot, combined with setup problems with the GP23 with which he has been fighting since the beginning of the season, created the basis for an uphill race and without much satisfaction, although the Rimini native tried to look positively, thanks to the presence of Valentino in the box.
"Another difficult day, too bad - declared Bez - since this morning I had a strange feeling with the clutch that wasn't there yesterday. I couldn't get a good start either in warmup or at the race start. It happens a lot with our bike and we can't figure out why. From this came other problems in the race related to the starting position, I came up trying to give it my all but at least we picked up some data that we will use from tomorrow's testing."
Can anything be salvaged from this race day, however?
"Since the tests in Malaysia we have improved a lot, we have worked and struggled a lot - he admits - in Jerez I got a good podium after taking advantage of everything I had, a good race without mistakes. Mistakes that I made in Le Mans instead. So much effort here, but with the new tires we took a step forward and I like the base. I look at the glass half full."
The approach to the GP23 has not been a particularly friendly one in this first half of the season, tomorrow in testing what will you work on?
"The main aspect, the only one left that really causes me problems, is the understeer in the middle of the corners. I can't get the bike to turn and I run out of front tire right away. Both Barcelona and Mugello are very severe in this aspect, although the problem has been there at other circuits, but here today I suffered a lot, and it always happens, especially with new tires."
The tests could be an opportunity to try to revolutionize the setup of the bike.
"We have revolutionized it several times already, however, in the end the basic setup is good, I feel good in the braking, especially on the straight, and I can also make some overtakes. I'm good at handling the tires in acceleration and I don't have serious problems in traction, but in the apex of the corner I lose a lot compared to the other Ducatis."
Does Valentino's presence help when going through a difficult period?
"We spent a lot of time in the box together, he didn't give me any specific advice, we look at the data, he tries to do what he can to help me. Basically though, he's a great friend, he can put a smile on your face even when things aren't going well, he's very charismatic and he transmits good humor. Definitely it's lucky to have him in the box, it would be nice if he always came but rightly he also has other things to do!"
Di Giannantonio: "At Mugello you can overtake, but now I need real results."
More luck instead went to Fabio Di Giannantonio, who started 14th and laboriously conquered a 7th place with a series of overtakes, although the Roman feels he cannot be satisfied despite the fact that better than him on the GP23 there is only a certain Marc Marquez.
Today you made more overtakes than anyone.
"Today was a super race - began the Roman rider - at Mugello you can overtake, but it's not easy especially in these tight races. To finish 7th after starting 14th is something to be proud of, with the team we worked well on the bike. We are in a positive phase, we are always there in front but we are missing that little something to be there among the best. Maybe we're still missing getting qualifying right right away and working on the small details, like the real guys do, but we're very close, I'm happy."
You often quote "the real guys," do you feel you're not part of them?
"I feel like it, but I need real results. I feel strong, I feel I can race with Martin, Enea, Pecco, as it happened in the past in the minor categories. Obviously everyone has their own path, but we are also improving with the VR46 team, and I think from the next races we can fight with them as well."
In the race we saw from the GP23s, including Marc's, coming out of corners some smoke coming from the rear tire. What was that about?
"I don't know if it also happened on mine, but I saw it on Alex's as well. We don't have the super-evolved lowering device, we are a little bit limited and we try to shave something off, so contact with the tire can happen. Nothing serious that consistently impacts performance though."
Now a break before the Assen round, after a very positive first part of the season. If you were to give yourself a criticism?
"When you don't put all the pieces together, it's a shared fault, I'm in the team and we work together. I think for example of the slide in free practice in Barcelona or missing Q2 here in Mugello. I blame myself for these things that added up can make a difference, although with the team I feel I have a very competitive package now."
Not before tomorrow's testing, however.
"Ducati will bring us two big modifications to test, I'm very curious to try them. It's a great opportunity tomorrow, in fact few parties tonight, we will need to stay focused to do a good job tomorrow."
