Assen. Here we are, one year after my first podium in MOTOGP. I’m pumped, it’s a circuit I really like. I know I can do well, in fact already from FP I find great feeling and pace.

In Q2 I lap hard and manage to get myself into P1. First pole of the season! I am charged to the max.

In the SPRINT race I start fairly well but fail to retain P1. I stay attached to Binder and after a great fight I pass him. I see Pecco in front of me, I approach, the tussle begins. We give each other great sport, like when we’re at the ranch, we don’t spare each other, and finally I manage to pass him. I keep P1 and conquer my first SPRINT. That’s so cool!

The audience is really gassed and I more than them.

Big party in the pits, but let’s get our feet back on the ground right away. Sunday’s race will be different, also because with the M I don’t have the same pace and holding Pecco will be very hard.

With Pecco we joke before the start, we joke about a lunch. Off we go, I stay behind him and Binder. I try to pass him every which way, it takes me 16 laps before I dare an ignorant overtake. I can, now I have to catch up on Pecco. With 7 laps to go in the fast corners the bike starts to vibrate, I have to contain. I try to bring myself back under but Pecco stretches. I finish behind, a great podium, and only one small regret: I will have to pay for Pecco’s lunch.

Back in the pits, great party with the guys on the team, fantastic as always. I start the vacations with a smile on my face and with the knowledge that we had a really great first half of the season.. And that we could really have a great time! See you next time!