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One of the most pleasant surprises of this Saturday at Phillip Island was Scott Redding. After the second row in qualifying, the Bonovo rider took fifth place behind Danilo Petrucci in Race 1. It was certainly an encouraging performance in what was his first race on his return to the Ducati.
"It's good to be back fighting with the best," he began. "After a race like today, I'm happy, and I give myself an eight as a grade! I'm happy, because I was aware that I could do a good job and could aim for the podium. In the last three laps of the first part of the race, I sacrificed the tires a lot, since I was in a tussle with Alvaro. But, unfortunately, I didn't have his pace to keep up with him. So, I tried not to push too hard, because my goal was to stay in the top six. What matters is being back there up in front, and we have to be happy. Then Petrucci passed me in the finale. I could've finished fourth, but that's okay."
Last year, the best result was a fourth place in Donington. What do you remember?
"I honestly don't remember! Today, when I was on the grid, I knew I could fight for the podium. I only had to improve myself and the bike. My mentality has changed, and now I enjoy racing. The team was overjoyed about qualifying, even if there was some tension before the start. I tried to have a zen spirit and transmit it to them as well."
Now Bulega is the reference in Ducati. How different is his style than Bautista's?
"Nicolò has great confidence with the bike, plus, this is his second year, and his style helps him a lot. In fact, he was particularly fast here. I tried to follow him but, in the fast corners, I couldn't be at his level. What can I say? Congratulations to him, because he improved a lot, and he certainly deserved this victory. On the other hand, when I followed Bautista, I can say that he didn't make determined improvements like Nicolò. He has the same style as always, while Nicolò has a different style than he does. In some points, I was better than Bautista, in others, he was. What matters is, as always, the package."
What message do you want to give BMW?
"I have nothing to say."
