Italian GP: A comeback in “Azzurro” at Mugello.

Friday, May 31st - Practices

The weekend begins with free practice sessions on a dry track, despite the clouds. The team's work starts well, with both riders finding a good feeling with the track, beginning to work on fast laps and testing different setups. Matteo manages to finish in the Top 10 towards the end of the session, while David lags behind in 18th position.

Shortly before the start of Practice 1, a slight drizzle wets the track, but not enough to require the use of wet tires. The riders begin working on managing each lap well on a track that is not in perfect condition, given the highly uncertain weather forecasts for the coming days. The session ends with both riders temporarily out of Q2.

Saturday, June 1st - Practices and Qualyfing

Practice 2 on Saturday morning doesn't bring any surprises for the team: David Almansa crashes coming out of Biondetti, finishing the session without getting close to Q2. Matteo, on the other hand, narrowly misses the top 14, placing 16th.

Both riders therefore have to start qualifying from Q1 under a scorching sun that heats up the track considerably. An initial warm-up run leads the riders to change tires in search of a fast lap, heading out for the second run in a group consisting of all the participants.
After the entry lap, Matteo manages to set his best lap, aiming for the top position, but unfortunately, towards the end of the lap, he encounters a rider slowing down in his path, causing Matteo and his follower, including David, to lose their last good lap. Matteo ends up 22nd and David 24th on the starting grid.

Sunday, June 2nd - Race

The first start of the race lasts only 3 laps due to an incident that caused a red flag. The new start, with a reduced duration of 11 laps, begins with a strong start from Matteo, who immediately recovers 2 positions, as does David, bringing both riders into the top 20.
Matteo manages to maintain excellent speed, staying connected to the large lead group. David starts to struggle to keep up with the race pace, falling to the back.
Bertelle's great speed allows him to gain positions, continuing to fight for points positions. In the final laps, Almansa's race remains stable, finishing in 21st place, recovering 3 positions.
Matteo Bertelle's impressive comeback concludes with a 10th place finish, recovering 12 positions and earning 6 points at the end of this home GP.

Comments

Matteo’s words after the race: “I’m happy because to start 22nd, concluding the race 10th, means that it was done an improvement. It was a really great race, with a lot of overtakes. I worked well with the team since friday, even if the results are arrived only with the race. I knew to feel good for the race on the track and now we need to work on the tyres. Now there is a few weeks pause but anyway GASS”