FERRARI NARROWLY MISSING ON PODIUM FINISH AT ASSEN
Race1 – #DutchGP The opening race of the weekend at the TT Circuit Assen, in the Netherlands, saw Matteo Ferrari lining up in third place on the grid. The standard bearer of team FELO Gresini Racing MotoE got a great start, got in the lead and showed great pace, but then a near high side cost him a few places and quite a bit of time. The rider #11 fought hard until the end for a podium finish, but he was eventually fourth at the chequered flag – only few tenths away from the podium finishers. Courtesy of today’s performance, he consolidates his third place in the standings with 106 points.
Alessio Finello had a more challenging race: after a good start, he managed to lap at a better pace than his qualifying best time, but this was not enough for him to stay with the group ahead. His first race at the track resulted in a sixteenth-place finish, but he will have another chance tomorrow in race two, scheduled at 15:30 local time (GMT +2).
4th – MATTEO FERRARI #11
“I’m a bit disappointed with today’s race: I got a good start, took the lead and had a good rhythm – we were among the fastest on track. On lap four, Granado passed me and that slowed us down, meaning the other rivals could get closer to the front. I tried to make up as much ground as possible but was fourth at the end. We still earned some valuable points for the title race, but we also lost some as we didn’t win. We were quick today, however, and the bike was perfect: we will have the same energy tomorrow, but the goal is to do better result-wise.”
16th – ALESSIO FINELLO #72
“It was a very difficult race: I lapped 1.6secs faster compared to qualifying, but that wasn’t enough. I thought I could have battle with the group ahead with this pace, but the others had improved, too. I also lost a few positions on lap one trying to avoid a rider that nearly crashed ahead of me, and I lost touch with the group. I was able to get back to the rider in front of me, but I couldn’t overtake him. I will need to work on it ahead of tomorrow’s race.”