FERRARI CLAIMS 200th GRESINI PODIUM AT LE MANS IN RACE 2
How else to secure podium #200 for Gresini if not with a win? It is Matteo Ferrari the one clinching this important milestone in what was a moment full of happiness and emotions for the team. The day had not started the best way: the rider #11 crashed out of race one while battling for first place. The desire for redemption gave Matteo that extra confidence that allowed him to step atop the podium of race two, despite the long-lap penalty he had to observe.
Alessio Finello also had an encouraging debut as he managed to hit the top-ten target in race one as he crossed the line in ninth position. He was quick also in race two, where from the fourteenth place on the grid, overtake after overtake, he managed to finish 11th and only 0.06secs from the top ten.
Team MotoE FELO Gresini Racing returns to the HQ with a trophy and a great desire to repeat this great result in a few weeks’ time at Mugello, the venue hosting the second round of the 2023 season.
MATTEO FERRARI #11 (RACE1: DNF; RACE2: 🥇)
“It was a bittersweet day, because I made a mistake in race one and on top of the crash, I also received a long-lap penalty. I would like to thank the team from my heart, as they worked really hard between the two races in order to make sure I could be competitive in the second encounter. I gave all I had, and this is also Gresini Racing’s 200th podium, which makes the result even more special. The race went really well: I tried to push from the get-go even though I knew I couldn’t afford any mistake. I did the long-lap penalty the perfect way and in the end, I had what it took to win. I’m really happy and I cannot wait to go to Mugello!”
ALESSIO FINELLO #72 (RACE1: 9th; RACE2: 11th)
“I’m happy with how today went: we improved throughout the weekend, session after session, and I managed to set my fastest lap-time in race two, in which I also had a good pace. We were ninth in race one, but I made the real step in the second one, as I was able to overtake, while riding at my pace and catch the rider in front of me. We missed the top ten for only six hundredths of a second, but we’re there. I would like to thank the team because they did an impeccable job, and all the sponsors who follow and support me. We’ll have fun in Mugello, it’ll be an incredible home race!”