Pecco Bagnaia is frank: “Bezzecchi still makes a bit of a difference.”

Still beaten, but optimistic again.

Pecco Bagnaia will start the Assen Sprint Race from second position after qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix. The world champion was beaten by 61 thousandths by Marco Bezzecchi, but compared to the general feeling at the beginning of the weekend he was positive about the growth of his Ducati.

“On the dry lap we improved,” Bagnaia explained to ‘Sky Sport.’ “This was a good qualifying and I’m happy because we went better. Once again Bezzecchi makes a bit of a difference, and we still have to look at the last details. I am happy, though.”

“The pace this morning was very good. I honestly did not expect to struggle so much here in Assen,” Bagnaia admitted, “the bike is quite different. We are improving though, we are at a point where the Ducati is still a bit nervous but you can ride it. Now let’s see how the Sprint will go.”