Romano Fenati described his first home Grand Prix as “fantastic”, even though he missed out on victory by two hundredths of a second. The 16 year old was pipped by Maverick Vinales in the drag race to the finish line but had no complaints after fighting at the front throughout.
“It is fantastic for me to finish second in my home race. We have worked very hard all weekend to make sure we were competitive today and starting from eighth on the grid I was able to get away well and fight in the lead group throughout. It was a fantastic race and I am very happy. Special thanks to my team.”
Team Italia FMI teammate Alessandro Tonucci also suffered disappointment in the final few metres as wildcard riders Kevin Calia and Michael Ruben Rinaldi pushed him out of the points. Tonucci lies 26th in the championship at the halfway stage and is desperate to improve when racing resumes at Indianapolis next month.
“I didn’t start well but once I found my rhythm I came back. I tried to attack and did some good overtakes. Before last lap I virtually had points, but I was pipped in the slipstream during the last straight. The first half of the season ends here, and I hope the second half is better.”
