The final weekend before MotoGP’s summer break could hardly have started better for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. Both riders wrapped up Friday at the Sachsenring inside the top 10. As a result, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli booked their tickets straight into Saturday’s Q2.
VR46 Direct Q2 Double Lights Up Friday at Sachsenring
Di Giannantonio set the tone early. He ended FP1 in third and carried that pace into the afternoon Practice. The Roman rider kept improving and clocked a 1’19″674 to finish third once again. Therefore, he sealed his VR46 direct Q2 place with room to spare. Moreover, the strong Friday backs up his push in the title race, where he sits third overall.
Morbidelli faced a tougher road. He opened with ninth in the morning session, yet the afternoon brought real drama. Franco improved late and slotted into tenth with a 1’20″032. In fact, he snatched the final automatic spot by just 13 thousandths of a second. That razor-thin margin over Enea Bastianini proved decisive.
Both Riders Eye the Sachsenring Sprint
Di Giannantonio left the paddock satisfied. He hit his main target with the direct Q2, and his race pace on medium tyres looked strong. Still, he admitted the team must sharpen its one-lap speed to chase the very front. He also flagged a small loss in the final sector.
Morbidelli struck a happy tone too. His day began with technical problems, but the crew fixed them during FP1. Consequently, he clawed his way into the top 10 and praised the team’s work under pressure. However, he knows a few areas still need attention before qualifying.
With the VR46 direct Q2 mission complete, both riders can attack the weekend on the front foot. Qualifying begins at 10:50 local time on Saturday, followed by the Sprint at 15:00. Then comes Sunday’s main race at 14:00. Momentum is building, and the summer break can wait a little longer.
