MotoGP, San Marino GP: Yamaha preferred, but Ducati is in a magical moment
The Misano circuit is particularly special for Yamaha who have won here more than the sum of their rivals. But these record numbers are contrasted by the good moment of Ducati. Statistics and curiosities about the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix, on Sunday 4 September at 2 pm (live on Sky Sport)
DRIVERS IN CHOIR: “MISANO WILL BE A SHOW”
The clash at the top of the world between Quartararo and Bagnaia (forgive us Aleix Espargarò, who hasn’t won for 5 months …), Yamaha against Ducati, is more than ever topical at Misano, a circuit where both brands are predicted as favorites. Yamaha is so for its palmares: here they have won more than the sum of their rivals, 14 races against the 13 of Honda (9), Ducati (3), Suzuki (1). These 14 successes for Yamaha are a stellar value, so much so that they have won more only in Assen, 18 times, but if 73 GPs have been disputed on the Dutch circuit, in Misano “only” 27. The “only” in quotes is d ‘ obligation, because this year the Romagna track reaches the legendary “Snaefell Mountain Course”, home of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy from 1949 to 1976 in 9th place of all time.
Misano is special for Yamaha
But there is something more that makes Misano special for Yamaha: the fact that it is one of the two circuits on the calendar in which they have won more than half of the races held together with Lusail in which they have won 10 times out of 19. This enviable palmares was completed in 2020, with a double victory for Morbidelli and Vinaleswhile last year Yamaha went dry with victories from Misano (Bagnaia for Ducati and Marc Marquez for Honda), but with Quartararo’s world title in his pocket.
The magical period of Ducati
These record numbers are contrasted by the magical period of Ducati, back from 3 consecutive victories for the seventh time in its history, and a Bagnaia that equaled the record sequence for the Italian brand, scored twice by Casey Stoner in 2008. from Donington to Sachsenring and, first, in 2007, from Laguna Seca to Misano. Here at Misano Ducati has won three times: with Stoner in 2007, Dovizioso in 2018, and the aforementioned success of Pecco in 2021.
The near anniversary of Marquez
Last year Marc Marquez became the absolute record holder of victories at Misano, four, leaving Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo to three. An important success for the Spaniard, which nevertheless represents his last victory to date. The circuit is the same, but not the time of the year: this year we run on the traditional date of September, but what Marquez won last year was the second round, the Emilia-Romagna GP, which took place on 24 October.