(Reuters) – Enea Bastianini secured his first pole position for Ducati at the Portuguese Grand Prix, showcasing a strong performance while his teammate Francesco Bagnaia missed out on a front row spot. Bastianini’s last pole position was back in July 2022 at the Austrian Grand Prix, and his success at the Algarve International Circuit marked a significant achievement after his struggles last season following his move to Ducati in 2023.
“After a long time without the pole position, it’s special today. It’s the first one with Ducati. I’m happy because we improved since yesterday. It’s only the first step, but we’re happy,” Bastianini expressed his satisfaction with his performance.
Bastianini set the pace with a time of one minute, 37.706 seconds, edging out Maverick Vinales from Aprilia and Jorge Martin from Pramac Racing. Reigning world champion Bagnaia initially looked poised to join his teammate and Martin on the front row but was ultimately pushed back to fourth by Vinales’ late surge.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Vinales shared, “Yesterday was very important to be on the bike, even though I felt a little sick, because we needed to modify the balance of the bike and get a better feeling from it. We found the balance, so we can push more. The lap times are there. Pretty happy.”
Despite not being at his peak performance, Vinales expressed confidence in his readiness for the race day, emphasizing the unpredictability of racing. The anticipation for an intense competition was heightened as six-time MotoGP titleholder Marc Marquez, now with Gresini Racing, experienced an early crash in Q2 but made a remarkable recovery to secure eighth place.
Prior to the qualifying session, Alex Marquez from Gresini’s team topped Q1, advancing to Q2 along with GasGas Factory Racing Tech3’s newcomer Pedro Acosta. The competitive nature of the race weekend set the stage for an exciting showdown at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
Overall, the qualifying results at the Algarve International Circuit showcased the fierce competition and determination among the riders as they vied for the pole position and crucial starting positions for the race. With Bastianini clinching his first pole position for Ducati, the stage is set for an intense battle on race day, with riders eager to showcase their skills and push for victory.
The enthusiastic response from the riders following the qualifying sessions added to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Portuguese Grand Prix, highlighting the competitive spirit and dedication of the MotoGP athletes as they strive for success on the track.
As preparations continue for the main race, the focus remains on the performances of the riders and the strategies they will employ to secure a strong finish in what promises to be a thrilling and action-packed event at the Algarve International Circuit. The determination and skill displayed during qualifying set the tone for what is expected to be an enthralling and closely contested race.
With the stage now set for the race day, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the adrenaline-fueled battles that are sure to unfold, showcasing the unparalleled speed, skill, and excitement that define MotoGP racing at its finest.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
