When you are used to fighting with the top guys staying behind is tough.
In the first few races of this world championship I struggled so much to find the square but I knew where I needed to work.
Small and big steps that eventually led me to riding well again.
To feel the bike, to feel myself as one with it again and not a foreign body.
Since Friday in Jerez I had known that this was going to be a different weekend.
In both dry and wet conditions I was lapping strong.
Straight into Q2 and I manage to get a good lap and put myself on the front row.
In Saturday’s Sprint I don’t get a bad start, I manage to stay in the group.
A few laps from the end I see several riders on the ground, then I end up there too… A wet patch with that angle of the turn sends you straight into the scree.
On Sunday the conditions are optimal, I’m fine, and most importantly I get off to a good start.
I’m in the lead group, Marquez passes me, and after a few laps I see Martin on the ground.
I try to keep up with the pace of the first two but I am on the limit.
I finally ride well, having fun.
First podium of the season, big celebration both on the track and in the pits.
It was really needed.
Now we can look at the season differently, there is still a lot to do but the road is the right one.
Now back to head down on testing and the next GP in Le Mans.