Pecco Bagnaia atoned for his Ibizan sins at sun-baked Silverstone on Sunday with a perfectly judged ride to victory, following his runaway win at Assen, before MotoGP went on its five-week mid-season holiday.
At the same time world championship leader Fabio Quartararo’s title defence faltered for the first time, due to a long-lap penalty incurred at Assen (for punting title-rival Aleix Espargaro into the gravel) and a very rare incorrect tyre choice.
Silverstone was even worse for Espargaro. The Aprilia rider started what he had called “the most important three months of my career” with a terrifying 120mph highside during Saturday’s FP4 session, which brought back memories of the good old days/bad old days of 500cc two-strokes.
