Spaniards break Italian hearts at Misano
The Italians are extremely proud of everything they do well. Food, Wine, Sports Cars, Anything.
And, on the Italian Riviera, they are particularly proud of their motorcycle racers.
Their new hero, and championship challenger, Marco Bezzechi was born in Rimini. As was Tech3 KTM rider Enea Bastianini.
Valentino Rossi, Luca Marini and the late Marco Simoncelli, just up the road.
The posters advertising the event, all along this coast, proudly showed Bagnaia (a Turin born Italian but adopted by this region because he is part of Rossi's stable and rides a Ducati), Bastianini and Bezzechi, claiming they would naturally push harder on their home track.
According to form, the 2026 San Marino GP at Misano could be a real cause for celebration for their passionate local fans. Almost 100,000 of them packed into to the tight little circuit on Sunday, along with Valentino, who had popped up the road to see how his riders faired.
Merchandise purchased, flags at the ready and pink flares for the Bastianini fans.
Two helicopters flew slowly over the grid dragging a huge Italian and San Marinese flag as the respective anthems were sung. Two of the Italian teams had special 'one off' liveries, now becoming a tradition at their home race.
But so were the Spanish riders. Equally proud and equally as fast as their Mediterranean rivals.
Two of the 'poster' boys must have pushed a little too hard at home and finished up in the gravel and out of the race. The crowd were not so noisy now.
Even though he was riding a Ducati, most of the fans were hoping Marc Marquez would join their heroes in the gravel. They dont like the Spaniard very much in this part of the world.
But he didnt. He won the race comfortably. Not only that, he was joined on the podium by his brother, Alex.
Worse still, Pedro Acosta finished third. Another Spaniard.
Fourth was Fermin Aldeguer. Yet another.
Fifth and sixth were Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez. Thats right. Also from Spain.
At last, an Italian in seventh, Fabio DiGianantonio. Not a local boy, a Roman, but he rides for Valentino, so thats OK.
The Spaniards truly broken Italian hearts on their home turf. The final race is in Valencia, Spain. Perhaps the Italians can exact their revenge there.
