Francesco Bagnaia 'put everything on the line' for crucial overtake at Catalunya Grand Prix, says Sylvain Guintoli
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Updated 26/05/2024 at 22:37 GMT
Sylvain Guintoli praised two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia for not being afraid to put everything on the line as he overtook Jorge Martin to win the Catalunya Grand Prix in Barcelona. Fellow TNT Sport expert Michael Laverty agreed, adding that the Italian is at his best when he has to make crucial decisions during races. Martin leads the overall standings ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
Francesco Bagnaia
Image credit: Getty Images
Sylvain Guintoli said Francesco Bagnaia put the Catalunya Grand Prix "on the line" when he banished his Sprint race demons to overtake Jorge Martin and win in Barcelona.
With the two championship rivals neck and neck, Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Racing) took the lead on turn five of Lap 19, the same turn that he crashed out on during Saturday's Sprint.
The Italian went on to claim first place, with Martin finishing in second and Marc Marquez battling back from 14th on the grid to claim third.
"Pecco making that move in turn five is a big deal because yesterday would have shattered his confidence," Guintoli said.
"Everybody has seen him and during the race you have to take a massive risk, you have to go for it.
"Martin is not just letting him pass, he has to take a massive risk, he has to put everything on the line on the front tyre and he did.
"It is almost like he did it on purpose as in, turn five, I am having you, you're mine and I am going to make it stick."
Martin took the lead during a dominant display in the early stages, but Bagnaia showed his decision-making skills to pick the perfect moment to strike.
Bagnaia can now look forward to racing on his home track at the Italian Grand Prix in Florence next week.
Michael Laverty agreed with Guintoli, adding that Bagnaia shines when he needs to make crucial tactical decisions in big moments.
"It was a calculated risk today, and whenever it comes to tactics like that, Pecco Bagnaia really shines," he said.
"He just controlled it today, he pushed when he needed to and used his tyre to perfection.
"You have got to say that when he is on that type of form he is exceptional.
"Quality ride from Pecco, Jorge Martin though, doing what he needs to do with 20 important points.
"He might have thrown it away a year ago, but now he has got things under control so well."
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