MotoGP: 'Pecco on another planet' - Jorge Martin praises Francesco Bagnaia as Italian blitzes Assen Sprint

Published 29/06/2024 at 16:13 GMT

Jorge Martin said that Francesco Bagnaia is "on another planet" after the Italian dominated the Dutch GP Sprint from start to finish to take victory in Assen. Bagnaia finished 1.5s ahead of Martin with Maverick Vinales close behind in third. While Martin and Bagnaia were happy with their placings, Spaniard Vinales was unhappy with his performance and is aiming for a win in Sunday's race.

SCARPERIA, FIRENZE, ITALY - 2024/06/01: Francesco Pecco Bagnaia of Italy with Ducati Lenovo Team celebrates the victory in Sprint Race during the MotoGP GP7 Gran Premio d'Italia Brembo - Sprint Race at Mugello Circuit. (Photo by Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Image credit: Getty Images

Francesco Bagnaia dominated the Dutch GP Sprint from start to finish to take victory in Assen.

The Italian finished 1.5s ahead of Jorge Martin, who was closely tailed by Maverick Vinales in third.

A jubilant Martin, who was elated to be on the podium, spoke after the Sprint and praised Bagnaia for his performance.

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“After yesterday, I didn’t expect today to be on the podium," the Spaniard said. "I think we worked quite a lot yesterday and today, but Pecco [Bagnaia] is still on another planet."

Martin sits top of the MotoGP standings, with Bagnaia close behind and Vinales in fifth.

Marc Marquez, who crashed out in the Sprint on Lap 2, sits third and Enea Bastianini is fourth.

“I tried to follow him [Bagnaia] but I was struggling a lot on the hard (tyre]...the feeling wasn’t good," Martin added.

“But anyway, really happy to be here in Assen, in the cathedral, on the podium. Thanks to the fans because it’s amazing how they cheer. Hopefully tomorrow I can be on the podium."

Factory Ducati rider Bagnaia had led every session heading into Saturday's Sprint before showcasing one of his most dominant displays. The Italian launched off the line heading into Turn 1 and never looked back.

“This is incredible, I love it," Bagnaia said. "We are doing a really good job, from yesterday morning and to today. I was trying to also understand if the rear tyre is a good choice for tomorrow’s race.

“But it is always incredible and to win here in Assen is always fantastic. It’s only Saturday but we are very, very happy. Pole position and a Sprint win, it’s fantastic and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

While Bagnaia and Martin were happy, Vinales was disappointed with his performance.

“I’m not happy because I expect to battle with them in the front," the 29-year-old said. "Somehow the Ducati squad on Saturday and Sunday go a step ahead.

“At the end, my rhythm was a little bit slow so I saw that I had big gap behind, and I just tried to be on the podium and not make any mistakes because I was pushing over the limit.

“Tomorrow we make another step, I want to fight for the win.

"I thought I could close the gap...but I don't know what they do, on Saturday they are always a step ahead."

Sunday's MotoGP race in Assen is live on TNT Sports.

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