Rinaldi: I had one of the worst races of my career

Michael Rinaldi reflects on a WorldSBK Aragon round that yields just nine points compared to his three podiums in 2020.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Aragon WorldSBK 2021
Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Aragon WorldSBK 2021
© Gold and Goose

Wrong tyre choices leave Michael Rinaldi on just nine points following the opening WorldSBK round of 2021. 

Rinaldi took his maiden WorldSBK win and podiums during last year’s second MotorLand Aragon weekend, but the Italian was unable to replicate similar form on his factory debut. 

Rinaldi’s best result of the weekend was a seventh in Saturday’s race one, however, a wrong call on tyres saw the 25 year-old finish over a minute down on team-mate and race two winner Scott Redding.

Rinaldi alluded to needing a better understanding in situations like Sunday with changing conditions, as race two was ‘one of the worst races of my career’ said the Italian. 

"In these circumstances, you have to know how to evaluate the situation and make the right choice," said Rinaldi. 

"Today I made the wrong choice and, as a result, I had one of the worst races of my career.  Last year I came away from Aragon with 3 podiums; this year with only 9 points. 

"This means that we have to find the feeling that we have been missing. The motivation is not lacking and I will try, together with the team, to turn the page from the next race."

Next up for Rinalid is a trip to Estoril where he claimed three top ten finishes to conclude 2020. The new Aruba.it Ducati rider currently sits tenth in the championship standings - 48 points behind Jonathan Rea.

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