*** A Yamaha 1-2 start for the Mugello GP 2017
Maverick Viñales takes his third pole position of the season at Mugello in Gran Premio D'Italia Oakley. Just after a Motocross training incident from last week, Valentino Rossi was still able to top the time sheets in FP3. Eventually Rossi starts his home GP from the middle of the front row, making a Yamaha 1-2.
Qualifying 1 was action packed as there were 4 to 5 riders fighting for those top 2 slots. Johann Zarco and Danilo Petrucci were the riders going into Q2, leaving out potential Cal Crutchlow, Hector Barbera and Jonas Folger behind. As the clocks started ticking for Qualifying 2, it was Rossi who went on top immediately. Soon after, lap times went on to decrease as Marquez, Pirro, Lorenzo were all seen once visiting the top spot. Most riders hit the pit the end of 4 laps for fresh rubbers, and the real action started then after.
Maverick Viñales quickly gained his pace and went on top for a potential pole position. Danilo Petrucci set a 1'46.714 to improve at P2, but was given a penalty for exceeding the track limits. Valentino Rossi who was at P3, momentarily went to P2. Ducatis Andrea Dovizioso claimed P3, and makes a front row start. Ducati test rider and Wildcard entry for the Mugello GP is the Italian rider Michele Pirro. Pirro starts at an impressive P4 for the race tomorrow. Dani Pedrosa is the top Honda, who starts from P5 on the grid. Teammate Marc Marquez had a bad day in Qualifying, as he starts behind at P6. Jorge Lorenzo starts the Mugello GP from P7.
The top 10 of the grid is completed by Alvaro Bautista, Danilo Petrucci and Tito Rabat. Top rookie Johann Zarco starts at P11 and Aleix Espargaro at P12. Cal Crutchlow starts way behind at P13 followed by Hector Barbera and Jonas Folger.
*** Rossi's special helmet design for his home GP marking a tribute for his mate Nicky Hayden
The MotoGP race goes live tomorrow at 5.30PM IST from Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, Tuscany. We are as excited for the race amidst a full pack of Valentino Rossi fans covered with yellow smoke. Not to forget the Italian fans pouring into the track, in front of the Podium. Stay tuned to BikesMedia for the Mugello race report and further updates on the MotoGP World Championship.
By: Aravind Rb