MotoGP Assen: Bagnaia out to make amends

Having been the man to beat at the Sachsenring, Pecco Bagnaia’s race day was anything but as the Ducati Lenovo man looks to redeem himself at Assen.

Pole position, a new circuit record - twice - and a formidable pace was ultimately undone at turn one on only the fourth lap of Sunday’s action but the scene of his debut success in Grand Prix racing - back in 2016 on Mahindra Moto3 machinery - could herald his comeback.

“I’m happy to be back on track this weekend at Assen,” Bagnaia confirmed ahead of round 11. “It’s a special track for me because it was here that I took my first win in the World Championship. I even have it tattooed on my arm!

“Unfortunately, we struggled a lot last year, but I am convinced that things will be different this year. Even in Germany, we were not among the favourites, but in the end, we were very competitive at the Sachsenring throughout the weekend. That’s why I’m even more disappointed about the crash in the race because up until then, everything had been perfect.

“I want to make up for it here in Holland and end on a positive note this first part of the season, before the summer break.”