The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team claimed its 21st one-two finish of the season at Magny-Cours, France, after a Race 1 packed with drama, crashes and a red flag on lap 9.
The opening laps were electric, with Nicolò Bulega — starting from pole position — and Iker Lecuona, third on the grid, battling hard for 10 laps before the race was stopped.
At the second start, the Spanish rider once again grabbed the lead. However, while defending from an attack by Lowes on the Ducati, he lost a few metres to his teammate. Bulega seized the opportunity immediately, setting a stunning 1’35.030 on lap 2: almost half a second faster than the previous record set last year in the Superpole Race.
Nicolò Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11
“I’m really happy with this win, especially because when a race is interrupted by a red flag, staying focused is never easy. I was confident I could do well, even though I knew Iker would be very fast at the start. After the red flag, I kept a strong pace, and that gives me great satisfaction.”
Iker Lecuona | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #7
“I have to say I’m satisfied with Race 1, especially because we made a step forward in terms of feeling compared to Superpole. In the opening laps, Nicolò and I had a great battle, but after the second start I couldn’t match his pace. We’ll study the data and work to make another step tomorrow.”
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