Third place ‘was the maximum, we can’t be disappointed’ - Bagnaia

After losing multiple positions on laps one and two, Francesco Bagnaia recovered from seventh to claim a fourth MotoGP podium in six races since the summer break.

Bagnaia, who started on pole, was already relegated to third on the run-up to turn one as Marc Marquez led from Fabio Quartararo. 

However, things then got worse as Bagnaia struggled with rear grip during the early laps and was subsequently passed by Jorge Martin, Alex Rins, Jack Miller and Takaaki Nakagami (briefly), as the Japanese rider crashed out after Bagnaia regained that place on lap three. 

But after finding grip mid-race, Bagnaia began making his way back towards the podium. 

The Italian’s charge was aided when Martin - third at the time, ran off track at turn three which put Bagnaia right on the Pramac rider’s rear wheel. 

Martin was then given a long-lap penalty after several track limits infractions, but Bagnaia didn’t wait for that and instead got through before the long-lap was served - turn 12. 

Out front, Marquez and title rival Quartararo were well clear and running a consistently better pace than Bagnaia, which meant P3 ‘was the maximum’ on offer. 

"I’m very happy, I'm very happy because we did the maximum. Fabio and Marc were faster than us, so more than this was very difficult," said Bagnaia. 

"We can’t be disappointed. Pole position yesterday in a track where we always struggle at was already a good result, but today a podium is another story and I’m very happy. 

"I tried everything but I was struggling at the start a lot with rear grip. My rear tyre was not ready. 

"I spoke with Fabio and Marc and they told me that in Misano they had my problem today. So I started in Misano with the maximum grip and everything perfect, but for them not. 

"But this time it was okay for them but not for me. Then I just saw that the riders in front of me struggled a bit and was seeing that the podium was there. 

"Last part of the race was not easy, but finally we achieved another podium."

While Bagnaia looked to have the pace to pass team-mate Miller with three quarters of the race gone, the Australian pulled towards the curb at turn five and allowed Bagnaia through in order for the former Moto2 champion to gain more championship points. 

It was a move that was highly appreciated by Bagnaia post-race: "I also have to say thanks to Jack for letting me pass. He was struggling a bit, but he has done a great job of teamwork and I’m very happy about it."