Gigi Dall'Igna could not be happier after the Malaysian GP. He certainly liked what he saw on the track, so much so that he doesn't even consider the possibility that the factory team could lose the riders' title to Pramac.
With Martin 24 points ahead of Bagnaia it is a distinct possibility, but the Ducati Corse general manager still has the Sepang duel in his eyes.
"With what we’ve seen, what is there to add...? We witnessed one of the most gripping duels in the history of MotoGP on a physically demanding track with its bends and braking taken to extreme limits - were his words - The first few laps were absolutely sensational: a show of braking, overtaking, crossing of trajectories and counter-overtaking; where the most minute gap was good for slotting in and regaining the lead.
Pecco and Jorge today honoured the World Championship as only true champions can do, but not only that, with the loyalty shown each other they exalted our sport as well as the work of all those that fully live this sport every day.
We are really proud of our boys: riders who esteem and respect each other, with nothing better to be seen under the sun as when they gave each other high fives and hugged in the parc fermé; just as striking were the amusing comments they exchanged and the statements made to successfully conclude a wonderful day of sport."
"At the beginning they faced each other without making any calculations, they simply didn't want to be behind, both because they both wanted to prevail and because of the high temperatures suffered here by those chasing - continued the Venetian engineer - Pecco was obliged to win to keep the games open while Jorge fought without sparing himself by also taking unnecessary risks in order to put himself in front.
An absolutely breathtaking duel that then saw Bagnaia stretch out with a peremptory pace and bend the resistance of Martin, who instead desisted given his opponent's determination to play it all at all costs, and especially given the very important points guaranteed by the place of honor after Marquez's exit. Bagnaia thus signs his tenth victory of the season! As only the greatest of the past."
"At the beginning of the race they faced each other without hesitation, without any thought of giving up, since they both wanted to prevail and stay in front because of the high temperatures the chasing bike had to endure - continued the Veneto engineer - The pressure was on Pecco’s winning, to keep the championship open, while Jorge fought without sparing himself, even taking unnecessary risks to stay in front.
An absolutely nail biting duel that eventually saw Bagnaia extending his lead with a peremptory pace, overwhelming the resistance put up by Martin who however eventually desisted, given the determination of his opponent to give his all at any cost, and especially considering the very important points guaranteed by a second place after Marquez's exit.
Bagnaia thus notches his tenth GP win of the season! Matching all the greatest of the past."
Now there is only one Grand Prix left until the end of the season.
"It will be a great Ducati party at the last race, just as this Championship and all the supporters deserve, and especially as our two champions deserve, who with their respective teams and under the banner of Ducati Corse, share not only a splendid bike but also that trait which is style, philosophy, work approach, team spirit and that certain “winning way”...!" concluded Dall'Igna.
