Holland, Bagnaia: "Assen wonderful track". Marc Marquez: "What a challenge with my brother"

With the Mugello weekend now over, MotoGP is now facing its tenth round of the world championship. It's on to Holland, to Assen, a circuit considered the University of motorcycling, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Marc Marquez is coming off an Italian double and hopes to extend his lead in the World Championship. On the historic Dutch track, however, Francesco Bagnaia wants to triumph as he has done in the last three years. The two Lenovo Ducati riders spoke to the media yesterday, while Alex Marquez (Gresini Ducati), Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Ducati), Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) and Maverick Vinales (Tech 3 Ktm) were chosen for Thursday's press conference.

Despite his triumph at Mugello, Marc Marquez remains cautious about his chances of winning in Holland, as he explained to the media: "The mentality is exactly the same as in the Italian GP: I'm here to defend myself, but without ruling out any scenario. I'm in great shape, I feel good. I'm challenging an unexpected rival initially, namely my brother Alex". The Gresini rider reminds him of a particular opponent: "He resembles Dovizioso in 2017. He didn't seem dangerous, but it became clear that he was very fast". Speaking of obstacles on the path to his ninth world title, Marquez doesn't rule out Bagnaia: "Checkmate can't come in the ninth race. He's 110 points behind, but we're not even halfway through the championship. A small injury is enough to miss even two GPs. Honestly, though, I expected to see Pecco ahead of Alex in the World Championship". Finally, Marc reflects on his own mistakes: "I think more about mistakes than victories. It's one thing to slip when you're third or fourth. But when you're in the lead..."

Fourth place at Mugello is already archived. Word of Francesco Bagnaia. The Ducati rider shows confidence to Sky microphones: "I am capable of resetting every time, starting from scratch with the same enthusiasm as always. This is a stroke of luck and I can't wait to ride here. Assen is a wonderful track". The Italian GP has nevertheless left some positive aspects: "In the negative result at Mugello there were some positive things and we need to start from those. For example, for the first time this year, I was able to fight. It means that there has been a step forward. We need to start again from this point. This moment will certainly help me understand various dynamics and grow". Then, to the other media present on the Dutch circuit, Bagnaia points out: "We won't make any particular changes to the bike. Now we just need to work to make a big step forward in this situation. At Sachsenring, however, we will try to do something different".

Second at Mugello as in the World Championship: Alex Marquez presents himself at the Assen press conference after the excellent Italian GP: "I want to keep the level high. We will try to recover something on my brother Marc in the standings. We do not change the mentality of the Italian weekend. Assen is a special track, I remember the races seen on TV, in particular a victory by Pedrosa in 125 and Hayden's overtaking of Edwards on the last corner in 2006. Being here on the hundredth anniversary is special". The Gresini rider replies to those who consider him too compliant with his older brother: "Someone is looking for a battle between me and Marc, they would like to see us duel. In reality I do not attack him because he is faster. At the moment I am the only one battling consistently. When there are opportunities, like at Silverstone, I will step up".

Fabio Di Giannantonio arrives in Assen after an excellent third place at Mugello. The VR46 rider explains why he feels optimistic: "Once the Aragon test was over, we didn't know if the things we tried would work. We can also go strong at Assen, which is the cathedral of speed. There have been many battles here in all categories, even in Superbike. I was linked to Troy Bayliss' Ducati". He then expresses his opinion on the change of ownership from Dorna to Liberty Media: "They have transformed F1 drivers into real superstars. Maybe it could be interesting. We should participate in more events, but we would also have more fans. I hope Dorna stays in the project to provide guidance". After expressing confidence in Ducati's growth ("Next year the GP26 will certainly be a step forward"), Fabio concludes by revealing who was the most technical rider he shared the track with: "I would say Jorge Martin: he has always looked for the perfect riding style for each bike and situation".

Marco Bezzecchi: "Assen is a track I like" Fifth at Mugello, Marco Bezzecchi is ready to tackle the Dutch GP: "Assen is a track I like. Here I took my first podium and my only win in the Sprint in MotoGP. We will try to continue the work done so far. Mugello was a positive race". Then the Aprilia rider reveals a behind-the-scenes story: "When I was 5 or 6 years old I came here to watch the races. I have a family passionate about motorsport. There has always been a lot of passion". Bezzecchi praises the growth of Alex Marquez: "He has always been fast. Now he has more experience and can fight for victories". Finally Marco admits: "During my career, the rider who has impressed me the most is Bagnaia. When he is in form, Pecco can be incredible. He is quick to understand how to approach the various corners. He rides cleanly and is strong in braking".

In Italy, Maverick Vinales showed a remarkable pace, but, thanks to the accident with Franco Morbidelli, he achieved little: "The last races have certainly been excellent, even if our potential is not reflected. When we manage to ride well, we get good results. I feel comfortable on the bike. At Mugello I was trying not to destroy the tires. I think we can have a good weekend in Holland. Maybe I will be even stronger than in the Italian GP. Assen is the track where you have to manage the speed more". Asked about Alex Marquez's growth, he reveals a detail: "I was surprised by his pace at the Barcelona test in November. There I understood that he would fight for the title. When you are in the right team, with the right bike, you can show interesting things". And instead, what is the real value of KTM? The Austrian brand shows mixed results, but Vinales is confident: "It has great potential, but I'm new to this bike. It has many strengths. I still have to understand how to patch up the weak points with my riding style. You have to be patient."