Bendsneyder, Van den Goorbergh and Veijer about their second day in Mugello

The second day of the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley is over. For Moto2 riders Bo Bendsneyder and Zonta van den Goorbergh, the day was all about qualifying, while Collin Veijer’s first Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup race of the weekend was scheduled. Below are the reactions of the three Dutchmen after the day.

(Moto2) Bo Bendsneyder (P17): “We made a good step this morning compared to yesterday, so we were happy with that. We knew we could improve that lap time for qualifying, but then it started to rain, but luckily it didn’t continue as we had a dry qualifying. From the first lap I already felt that I didn’t have the same grip as in the morning session, when I felt much more comfortable. I struggled to even get the same lap time as in the morning, but in the end I managed to set a good lap time on the last lap. We need to understand why I didn’t have the same grip. Our pace is very good and the feeling with the bike is good too, so I have to get off to a good start tomorrow to try to overtake as many fellow drivers as possible at the beginning and be in the first group from the start. As always, we will give everything tomorrow!”

(Moto2) Zonta van den Goorbergh (P26): “Today we didn’t have luck on our side. In FP3 we were strong and I had one very good lap, but in the last sector the yellow flag was waved and I had to abort the lap. That was a shame, because of this we had to go to Q1. Maybe we would have had the speed to continue but the changeable conditions made it very difficult of course. I had one decent lap and it was immediately my fastest, even though I made three mistakes. After that I couldn’t manage to do another good lap because I was also in a group. It wasn’t all that easy in that regard, but in itself our pace for the race is good. If we can make up some places in the first round, it should be possible to get a good result.”

(Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup) Collin Veijer (P15): “I think I can safely say that it was an eventful second day here in Mugello. It started this afternoon when I had to go to the race director, where I was told that I made a mistake in qualifying yesterday and was penalized for it. During qualifying I would have hindered another rider when returning to the track at the longlap penalty lane which would have created a dangerous situation. Of course I knew what they meant but in my eyes it wasn’t really anything special, but the race directors decided well and I got no less than two penalties. Starting the first race from the last place on the grid and in this race also a longlap penalty. Personally, I think this is a very heavy punishment, but what can I do but accept it. Yes and then it starts to rain just before the race, we went out on slicks but once on the grid it was clear that this was irresponsible. All off the grid again, the rain continued and it was a wet race on wet tires. My start was good and I immediately made up quite a few places, then took the longlap penalty and immediately afterwards I managed to find a good rhythm. Again I managed to make up a few places but then I took a little too much risk in turn two, resulting in a slide. After this I started driving safely and it was a matter of finishing, which gave me fifteenth place and 1 point. It’s no different, tomorrow there is another race and if we are to believe the Italian weather gods it will be dry. From fifth on the grid I hope to score a better result. Sometimes you have those days when everything just goes wrong and today was one of those days.”

Handige links Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley:

Timetable and full results
Where to follow on TV
photo report

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