Aprilia Dominates Assen but Italian Fans Remain Unimpressed After Ogura’s Victory
Aprilia Racing secured a historic 1-2-3 finish at the Dutch TT, but Italy’s MotoGP hopes were dampened after Japanese rider Takaaki Nakagami claimed victory in front of his home crowd. The Italian manufacturer’s dominance on the track couldn’t offset the emotional weight of another non-Italian win in Assen, where Nakagami became the first Japanese rider to win at the Dutch circuit since 2012.
Ogura’s Triumph and Aprilia’s Triple Podium
Nakagami’s victory marked a significant milestone for Honda and Aprilia, as the Japanese rider led from the front after a thrilling battle with Aprilia teammates Marco Bezzecchi and Aleix Espargaró. The race, held at the iconic TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands, saw Nakagami take the lead on lap 17 after overtaking Bezzecchi, a move that proved decisive in the final laps.
Bezzecchi finished second, while Espargaró completed the podium, giving Aprilia their first-ever 1-2-3 finish in MotoGP history. The Italian manufacturer’s dominance was further emphasized by the fact that all three podium finishers were riding Aprilia RS-GP machines.
Key stats from the race:
- Takaaki Nakagami (Aprilia) – 1st place (45 points)
- Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) – 2nd place (37 points)
- Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia) – 3rd place (32 points)
- Fastest lap: Maverick Viñales (Aprilia) – 1:35.634 (lap 18)
Nakagami’s win was particularly emotional, as he became the first Japanese rider to win at Assen since Hiroshi Aoyama in 2012.
Why Italy’s Fans Aren’t Celebrating
Despite Aprilia’s technical dominance, the Italian fanbase remained divided over the outcome. Nakagami’s victory, while impressive, meant another non-Italian rider won at Assen—a circuit where Italian riders have historically excelled. The last Italian winner at the Dutch TT was Jorge Lorenzo in 2013, and since then, the podium has been dominated by riders from Spain, Great Britain, and now Japan.
Italian fans have long associated Assen with success, particularly under Ducati’s reign in the early 2000s. The absence of an Italian rider on the podium has led to frustration, even as Aprilia’s engineering prowess shone through.
Aprilia’s team principal, Gigi Dall’Igna, acknowledged the mixed emotions in a post-race interview. “We’re proud of the team’s performance today. But we also understand the disappointment among Italian fans. This is a special track for them, and it’s never easy when an Italian rider doesn’t stand on the podium.”
How the Win Affects the Championship Standings
The Dutch TT results have reshuffled the MotoGP championship standings, with Nakagami now leading the riders’ classification. Here’s how the top five look after the race:
| Position | Rider | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takaaki Nakagami | Aprilia | 145 |
| 2 | Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia | 137 |
| 3 | Aleix Espargaró | Aprilia | 122 |
| 4 | Francesco Bagnaia | Ducati | 118 |
| 5 | Joan Mir | Suzuki | 110 |
Nakagami’s lead is now 8 points ahead of Bezzecchi, while Espargaró remains in third place. The championship remains wide open, with Bagnaia and Mir still in contention for the title.
What Happens Next: The Road to Le Mans and Beyond
The next round of the MotoGP season is the Grand Prix of France, scheduled for May 5-7 at the Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans. The French track is known for its high-speed corners and technical challenges, offering a stark contrast to the twisty, low-speed nature of Assen.
Aprilia will look to build on their momentum, while Nakagami will aim to extend his championship lead. The French GP will also be a crucial test for Ducati, who have struggled to match Aprilia’s pace in recent races.
Upcoming MotoGP Races:
- May 5-7: French Grand Prix (Le Mans, France)
- May 19-21: Italian Grand Prix (Mugello, Italy)
- May 26-28: Catalan Grand Prix (Barcelona, Spain)
The Italian Grand Prix at Mugello will be particularly significant, as it offers Aprilia and Italian riders a chance to redeem themselves in front of a home crowd.
Aprilia’s Dominance: A Technical Masterclass
Aprilia’s 1-2-3 finish at Assen was the result of meticulous preparation and engineering excellence. The Italian manufacturer has consistently outperformed rivals in recent races, with their RS-GP bike proving to be the most competitive package in the paddock.
Team principal Dall’Igna credited the bike’s adaptability to different track conditions. “Our bike is very versatile. It can handle the twisty, low-speed circuits like Assen, as well as the high-speed tracks like Le Mans. That flexibility is key to our success.”
While Aprilia’s technical superiority is undeniable, the team faces the challenge of maintaining rider satisfaction. With Nakagami now leading the championship, the pressure on Bezzecchi and Espargaró to deliver consistent results will only increase.
Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Pride
Italian fans took to social media to express their mixed feelings about the race. Some praised Aprilia’s performance, while others lamented the lack of an Italian rider on the podium.
One fan wrote: “Aprilia’s 1-2-3 finish is incredible, but another non-Italian win at Assen? It hurts. Italian fans have always expected success here, and it’s disappointing when our riders don’t stand on the podium.”
Another commented: “Nakagami’s victory is historic for Japan, but it’s not what Italian fans wanted. Aprilia’s dominance is clear, but we need our riders to shine too, especially at a track like Assen.”
Japanese fans, on the other hand, celebrated Nakagami’s victory as a momentous achievement. The win has reignited discussions about the resurgence of Japanese riders in MotoGP, particularly in the wake of Honda’s recent successes.
Key Takeaways from the Dutch TT
- Aprilia’s first-ever 1-2-3 finish in MotoGP history, with Nakagami, Bezzecchi, and Espargaró on the podium.
- Nakagami’s historic win as the first Japanese rider to win at Assen since 2012.
- Championship lead shift with Nakagami now leading the riders’ classification by 8 points.
- Italian fans’ disappointment over another non-Italian win at a track historically dominated by Italian riders.
- Aprilia’s technical dominance continues, but the team must now balance rider satisfaction with championship ambitions.
What do you think about Nakagami’s win and Aprilia’s dominance? Will Italy finally see an Italian rider on the podium at Mugello? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Related reading
