#StayAtHomeGP : Francesco Bagnaia secures victory in Red Bull Ring

Michelle Liew

April 13, 2020

Missed out on the second #StayAtHomeGP in Red Bull Ring? Watch it here!

The second Virtual MotoGP race has taken place and Pramac Racing‘s Franceso Bagnaia managed to deliver a stellar performance by coming out on top at the Red Bull Ring. Some of the biggest names in MotoGP put on yet another great show today. Bagnaia and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales went toe-to-toe during the race. The Italian secured victory and a debut MotoGP win after diving up the inside of Viñales, on the grass, on the last lap. The second #StayAtHomeGP was filled yet thrill and excitement. Ten premier class riders again put on a show to bring a little light relief and entertainment to fans all over the world at a tough time like this

Both Bagnaia and Viñales had a tight competition since the race got underway. It started off with nearly all of the field getting caught up in a huge crash going into Turn 1. LCR Honda Idemitsu’s Takaaki Nakagami led the race in the aftermath. Though the two riders managed to catch up and motored past the Japanese rider. Trailing behind was Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez.

Photo credits: MotoGP

However, younger brother Alex Marquez had too much pace for the reigning MotoGP World Champion and was on the podium hunt throughout the race.

The young Spaniard eventually broke clear and settled into third place. Marc had to settle for fourth place this time, ahead of Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo. Quartararo showed podium pace just as in Mugello but such was not enough to advance further.

Sixth place was contended by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi and Ducati Team’s Danilo Petrucci. Both riders made their Virtual Race debuts in the race. In the end, Petrucci came out on top despite The Doctor’s best efforts. Nakagami slipped back to eighth place after going through several hurdles. Ducati Team’s Michele Pirro and Reale Avintia Racing’s Tito Rabat both rounded up the top ten.

Photo credits: MotoGP

Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing)- As It Happened

“I had to concentrate so hard! When Maverick overtook me he was setting a really good pace, then when he crashed and I took the lead again I started to make a lot of mistakes. It was difficult to manage the grip but I tried to stay in front of him. On the last lap when he overtook me I gave it everything, also touching the grass a little, but the battle was so much fun!”

Photo credits: MotoGP