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Spectacular last-gasp victory for Bastianini at Motegi. Strong race for Di Giannantonio, fifth

Enea Bastianini took a stunning victory in today’s Japanese Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi: a win strongly wanted by the 18-year-old rider from Rimini and by all the team after having missed it almost for nothing in the last few races.

Bastianini produced an incredible performance: started well from the front row of the grid, Enea first battled with Andrea Migno for second place behind Brad Binder, then he managed to open a gap and pushing to try to catch the World Champion in the lead. In the last 6 laps Enea closed the gap on Binder, finally launching his attack braking into turn 11 on the final lap. A stunning maneuver that allowed him to take the final straight in the lead and cross the finish line in first position in a thrilling sprint which saw him prevail for only 0.017 seconds.

The great day of the Gresini Racing Team Moto3 was completed by another great comeback by Fabio Di Giannantonio: the 18-year-old rookie from Rome, at his first experience at the Motegi circuit, rode an excellent race. Started from the sixth row of the grid, “Diggia” in fact managed to reach the seventh place in only 6 laps, just behind the 6-rider leading group. In the final stages of the race the pass on Francesco Bagnaia and the subsequent disqualification of Hiroki Ono, third at the finish line, delivered him the fifth position. An important placement which now leads him to 122 points in the overall standings and keeps him in the fight for the “Rookie of the Year” title.

ENEA BASTIANINI (1st)

“It was a very difficult race, Binder always pushed very hard and in the early stages also Migno and Bagnaia were able to maintain a good rhythm. In the second part of the race Binder started to push even harder, opening a little gap, so at that point I tried to chase him. I succeeded, although closing the gap was not easy: our lap times were very similar, but in the last six laps I really gave everything I could, and on the last lap I managed to catch him. It was a great feeling to pass him at Turn 11. I knew that Brad would have been very fast in the straight, but in the previous laps I also saw him going a little bit wide on the exit of the corner that leads on the straight, so I tried to make the most of it. I took his slipstream and then I attacked him under braking. We did it, although it was not easy! I’m very happy: podiums are always beautiful, but the victory is another thing!”.

FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO (5th)

“Another good comeback and another race finished in the top ten, so I’m very happy! Too bad only that once again we started the race far behind, also today I had to push very hard to recover… At some point I had to slow down a bit because I got a little tired: I was forcing a lot under braking, where I felt comfortable, but this was tiring because I had to keep stable the bike pushing hard on the footrests. Later, however, the reference of Oettl in front of me helped me keep a good pace. I’m satisfied with this placement, which gives us other important points for the Championship and keeps us in the fight for the Rookie of the Year trophy!”.

FAUSTO GRESINI

“It was a very tough race. We knew we had the pace to win, but it was not easy at all! At the beginning the battle with Migno allowed Binder to open a gap so at that point I thought that also this time we wouldn’t be able to snatch the victory. Enea instead was able to recover with determination, passing Binder on the final lap. He won a great race and I’m happy for him and for the team, which worked very well. Di Giannantonio rode a very good race: he had the pace to stay at the top, but starting back he failed to close the gap on the leading group. If he had started from a better grid position he would probably have been in the fight, but it’s okay like this. We are very happy and aware of having another great rider in the team. I’m happy for the team and for our partners, I dedicate this victory to them and in particular to Del Conca President Enzo Mularoni”.


Spectacular last-gasp victory for Bastianini at Motegi. Strong race for Di Giannantonio, fifth - Gresini Racing
Spectacular last-gasp victory for Bastianini at Motegi. Strong race for Di Giannantonio, fifth - Gresini Racing
Spectacular last-gasp victory for Bastianini at Motegi. Strong race for Di Giannantonio, fifth - Gresini Racing
Spectacular last-gasp victory for Bastianini at Motegi. Strong race for Di Giannantonio, fifth - Gresini Racing
Spectacular last-gasp victory for Bastianini at Motegi. Strong race for Di Giannantonio, fifth - Gresini Racing
Spectacular last-gasp victory for Bastianini at Motegi. Strong race for Di Giannantonio, fifth - Gresini Racing