Showing posts with label Jorge Lorenzo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jorge Lorenzo. Show all posts
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Friday, 18 June 2010
Jorge Lorenzo: MotoGP is still the most exciting sport in the world!
Jorge Lorenzo: MotoGP is still the most exciting sport in the world!
Bradley Smith: I think MotoGP needs sprucing up!
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160772/1/lorenzo_motogp_most_exciting_sport_in_the_world.html
By Leandra Graves
Jorge Lorenzo was in doubt when asked whether Moto GP was still as enthralling to watch, compared to the lower 125 and Moto 2 classes. With just sixteen riders on the MotoGP grid in Mugello and the same for this weekend in Silverstone, there had been questions raised by many within the sport and by the paying fans about the excitement levels of the elite category.
The revised Moto 2 format has 41 riders on the grid and has been packed full of action, with countless overtaking throughout the field, as well as numerous crashes. Scott Redding said at the AirAsia Media Event held at Lords Cricket Ground on Wednesday, that it will be “crazy” to see 41 bikes on the new fast, flowing circuit in Northamptonshire.
The 125 category has also been extremely lively, as you would expect with so many eager and enthusiastic youngsters, once again with around 32 riders on the grid.
Lorenzo dismissed suggestions for more riders in the MotoGP category, firmly stating that he believed, “MotoGP is still the most exciting sport in the world!”
However, 125 cc rider Bradley Smith had more thoughts on the subject, “Unfortunately what happens in MotoGP” he sighs, “Is the technology is able to run so open and free, that you’re always going to have some races that the Yamaha will work on some tracks and the Honda will work better on the others. Unfortunately unless they cap it, within particular parameters, it’s always going to be like it is. When the bikes are as close as they are with the current electronic packages, you are talking about 0.1, 0.2 of a second, every single lap, it’s impossible to fight.
“That’s why we see such great races between Valentino Rossi and Lorenzo. But you will never really see a great race between Valentino and Dani Pedrosa (as he’s on the Honda). Ok we saw the good race in Laguna Seca in 2008, (Rossi against Stoner) but that was because Rossi was riding tactically to keep Casey and his Ducati behind him. Casey had half a second on Valentino, but if Casey hadn’t have passed him, he would have gone and left him and that would have been the end of the race.
“I think that’s the situation it is at the moment. It would be nice to spruce it up a bit. However, that would take Dorna to sit down and make new regulations to put their authority across, rather than letting the manufacturers run the show.”
Bradley Smith: I think MotoGP needs sprucing up!
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160772/1/lorenzo_motogp_most_exciting_sport_in_the_world.html
By Leandra Graves
Jorge Lorenzo was in doubt when asked whether Moto GP was still as enthralling to watch, compared to the lower 125 and Moto 2 classes. With just sixteen riders on the MotoGP grid in Mugello and the same for this weekend in Silverstone, there had been questions raised by many within the sport and by the paying fans about the excitement levels of the elite category.
The revised Moto 2 format has 41 riders on the grid and has been packed full of action, with countless overtaking throughout the field, as well as numerous crashes. Scott Redding said at the AirAsia Media Event held at Lords Cricket Ground on Wednesday, that it will be “crazy” to see 41 bikes on the new fast, flowing circuit in Northamptonshire.
The 125 category has also been extremely lively, as you would expect with so many eager and enthusiastic youngsters, once again with around 32 riders on the grid.
Lorenzo dismissed suggestions for more riders in the MotoGP category, firmly stating that he believed, “MotoGP is still the most exciting sport in the world!”
However, 125 cc rider Bradley Smith had more thoughts on the subject, “Unfortunately what happens in MotoGP” he sighs, “Is the technology is able to run so open and free, that you’re always going to have some races that the Yamaha will work on some tracks and the Honda will work better on the others. Unfortunately unless they cap it, within particular parameters, it’s always going to be like it is. When the bikes are as close as they are with the current electronic packages, you are talking about 0.1, 0.2 of a second, every single lap, it’s impossible to fight.
“That’s why we see such great races between Valentino Rossi and Lorenzo. But you will never really see a great race between Valentino and Dani Pedrosa (as he’s on the Honda). Ok we saw the good race in Laguna Seca in 2008, (Rossi against Stoner) but that was because Rossi was riding tactically to keep Casey and his Ducati behind him. Casey had half a second on Valentino, but if Casey hadn’t have passed him, he would have gone and left him and that would have been the end of the race.
“I think that’s the situation it is at the moment. It would be nice to spruce it up a bit. However, that would take Dorna to sit down and make new regulations to put their authority across, rather than letting the manufacturers run the show.”
Lorenzo: Right decision not to replace injured Rossi
By Leandra Graves
http://www.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-news/237277/lorenzo-right-decision-not-to-replace-injured-rossi/
This weekend sees Jorge Lorenzo as the sole Fiat Yamaha representative for the British Grand Prix due to Valentino Rossi’s broken leg. There had been many rumours circulating that the young British World Superbike rider, Cal Crutchlow, may have got the temporary ride during the Italian’s absence, but for Silverstone and Assen, there will be no replacement rider. Current championship leader, Lorenzo believes this is the right call by his team.
“I think they are doing right as they are showing their respect to ‘Vale’. He is in a bad situation at the moment and in a lot pain. It’s a gesture from Yamaha to be respectful of him. However, the limitations say we have to put another rider on the bike after two races and Yamaha will have to make their decision on who that will be. We don’t know yet which rider will be my partner. In some weeks we will know.”
Therefore, Lorenzo will have to fly the Fiat Yamaha flag alone and the team will only have one rider contributing to the valuable constructers points.
http://www.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-news/237277/lorenzo-right-decision-not-to-replace-injured-rossi/
This weekend sees Jorge Lorenzo as the sole Fiat Yamaha representative for the British Grand Prix due to Valentino Rossi’s broken leg. There had been many rumours circulating that the young British World Superbike rider, Cal Crutchlow, may have got the temporary ride during the Italian’s absence, but for Silverstone and Assen, there will be no replacement rider. Current championship leader, Lorenzo believes this is the right call by his team.
“I think they are doing right as they are showing their respect to ‘Vale’. He is in a bad situation at the moment and in a lot pain. It’s a gesture from Yamaha to be respectful of him. However, the limitations say we have to put another rider on the bike after two races and Yamaha will have to make their decision on who that will be. We don’t know yet which rider will be my partner. In some weeks we will know.”
Therefore, Lorenzo will have to fly the Fiat Yamaha flag alone and the team will only have one rider contributing to the valuable constructers points.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
PAIN IN SPAIN FOR PEDROSA
PAIN IN SPAIN FOR PEDROSA
By Leandra Graves
Dani Pedrosa led the race from the start in Jerez, only to be beaten on the last lap in a fierce dice with his fellow countryman, Jorge Lorenzo.
The 24 year old started the race in pole position and took a commanding lead over the Current World Champion, Valentino Rossi. He maintained a comfortable gap over the Yamaha and it appeared Pedrosa would be on his way to a magnificent win in his homeland.
However, the number 99 of Jorge Lorenzo had other plans to ruin Pedrosa’s day in the sun. Lorenzo had been the initial pace setter early on in the weekend, but after qualifying, it appeared Pedrosa had found that something extra that could take him to a vital 25 points.
The number 26 rider wasn’t exactly the happiest man after qualifying, admitting that “pole position doesn’t really mean anything to me.” Clearly the Spaniard was expecting a tougher race and wasn’t expecting his Honda to be able to control the race for a lengthy period.
He was however to be proved wrong and was looking like he had put all his troubles and disappointment behind him after a difficult start in Qatar. Lorenzo had made a poor start and was in a lowly fifth at the start of the race. Once he had passed the two Ducati’s and his Yamaha team-mate, he only had six laps to charge after the race leader. It looked as if the young Majorcan had left it too late to be considered a serious threat for the win and claw back two seconds but suddenly he was right on Pedrosa’s tail. He had slaughtered Pedrosa’s advantage.
What came next was a brutal battle. Pedrosa defended well and sent Lorenzo around the outside of him on several occasions, showing that he had no intention of making this easy for his compatriot. It was a tough battle, hard but fair, with neither rider wanting to give the other an inch. It was a classic final few laps, with it appearing that Pedrosa still had the better of Lorenzo, but "X-Fuera" produced some magic and snuck up the inside of the Honda, sending him out wide and stormed on to take the chequered flag.
It was heartbreak for Pedrosa in front of an adoring 120,000 patriotic fans, that were deliriously happy to see a Spanish one-two, but to lead the race from the start, only to have it snatched at the bitter end, from one of his arch rivals, must have been a cruel end to a dominant race.
Pedrosa managed to put a smile on his frustrations at the end of the race and even congratulated the race winner with a hug, having no bad words to say about an epic fight with Lorenzo.
“I’m exhausted, with ten laps to go, the gap over Rossi was pretty good. I said fuck when I could see Lorenzo was coming. We had a bit of a fight, I went wide and lost momentum and then I couldn’t catch him. I’m very happy though for me and my team with my result, especially after Qatar.”
Pedrosa’s second place put him third overall in the standings and must make him thirsty for his first victory this season, especially put one over his old adversary Lorenzo after today’s surprise ending.
By Leandra Graves
Dani Pedrosa led the race from the start in Jerez, only to be beaten on the last lap in a fierce dice with his fellow countryman, Jorge Lorenzo.
The 24 year old started the race in pole position and took a commanding lead over the Current World Champion, Valentino Rossi. He maintained a comfortable gap over the Yamaha and it appeared Pedrosa would be on his way to a magnificent win in his homeland.
However, the number 99 of Jorge Lorenzo had other plans to ruin Pedrosa’s day in the sun. Lorenzo had been the initial pace setter early on in the weekend, but after qualifying, it appeared Pedrosa had found that something extra that could take him to a vital 25 points.
The number 26 rider wasn’t exactly the happiest man after qualifying, admitting that “pole position doesn’t really mean anything to me.” Clearly the Spaniard was expecting a tougher race and wasn’t expecting his Honda to be able to control the race for a lengthy period.
He was however to be proved wrong and was looking like he had put all his troubles and disappointment behind him after a difficult start in Qatar. Lorenzo had made a poor start and was in a lowly fifth at the start of the race. Once he had passed the two Ducati’s and his Yamaha team-mate, he only had six laps to charge after the race leader. It looked as if the young Majorcan had left it too late to be considered a serious threat for the win and claw back two seconds but suddenly he was right on Pedrosa’s tail. He had slaughtered Pedrosa’s advantage.
What came next was a brutal battle. Pedrosa defended well and sent Lorenzo around the outside of him on several occasions, showing that he had no intention of making this easy for his compatriot. It was a tough battle, hard but fair, with neither rider wanting to give the other an inch. It was a classic final few laps, with it appearing that Pedrosa still had the better of Lorenzo, but "X-Fuera" produced some magic and snuck up the inside of the Honda, sending him out wide and stormed on to take the chequered flag.
It was heartbreak for Pedrosa in front of an adoring 120,000 patriotic fans, that were deliriously happy to see a Spanish one-two, but to lead the race from the start, only to have it snatched at the bitter end, from one of his arch rivals, must have been a cruel end to a dominant race.
Pedrosa managed to put a smile on his frustrations at the end of the race and even congratulated the race winner with a hug, having no bad words to say about an epic fight with Lorenzo.
“I’m exhausted, with ten laps to go, the gap over Rossi was pretty good. I said fuck when I could see Lorenzo was coming. We had a bit of a fight, I went wide and lost momentum and then I couldn’t catch him. I’m very happy though for me and my team with my result, especially after Qatar.”
Pedrosa’s second place put him third overall in the standings and must make him thirsty for his first victory this season, especially put one over his old adversary Lorenzo after today’s surprise ending.
LORENZO MAKES A BIG SPLASH IN SPAIN!
Jorge Lorenzo produced one of the races of his life beating Dani Pedrosa on a last lap thriller, to a scorching victory in Jerez. Lorenzo’s Yamaha team-mate, Valentino Rossi was 3rd.
The number 99 rider had been the pace setter early on in the weekend and few would have bet against him to romp home to victory in front of his adoring fans. However, after qualifying, his fierce rival and compatriot, Dani Pedrosa, took pole position and suddenly it looked like it might not be so easy for the young Majorcan.
Lorenzo starting second on the grid didn’t make the best get-away and was fifth after the last lap. He soon passed the Ducati of Casey Stoner and then took the charge to the American, Nicky Hayden. With 18 laps left of the race, the 22 year old passed Hayden and set his sights on the current World Champion Valentino Rossi, who was a few seconds down the road. Pedrosa and Rossi had pulled a significant gap of around three seconds advantage early on in the race, but after a motocross accident a few weeks ago, it appeared Rossi wasn’t able to put up as strong a fight, as he would have wanted. The gap became closer and Lorenzo produced a great manoeuvre past his team-mate to take second in the race.
From then, the gap towards Pedrosa looked unobtainable. A gap of around three seconds with six laps to go made the chance of a win look untouchable. This wasn’t to be the case. Lorenzo had said it was "his
dream” to win a Moto GP race in Jerez and a little rider such as Pedrosa, a fellow Spaniard, was not going to spoil the party Lorezno had planned for 120,000 crazy, patriotic fans.
In the last two laps, Lorenzo managed the unthinkable. He was up close and personal with one may say an arch rival of his (remember those two have history from their 250cc days!) and the battle commenced! With neither rider wanting to give an inch in front of their devoted, fanatical support, it was a hard fight with Pedrosa shutting the door and making Lorezno fight around the outside. It looked impossible for the Yamaha to get in front of the Honda with only a lap remaining but he pulled out a breathtaking pass up the inside of Pedrosa, giving him a little nudge and sending the 24 year old out wide and claiming a stunning victory on the very last lap!
The fans went wild, as did Lorenzo himself. The ride of his life and surely that of someone who can mount a serious challenge for honours this season. What did the winner do to celebrate after? Jump into a lake of course, fully clothed in his leathers and helmet! His victory celebrations at the race track have always been “out there” but this time he really out-classed himself (and Rossi who normally knows a thing or two about unusual celebrations!). Luckily, Lorenzo was rescued from the water and arrived on the podium sopping wet with a massive grin and looking the happiest man on the world of Lorenzo’s Land!
There was sporting congratulations to his nearest rivals on the rostrum and it was nice to see a hug between him and Pedrosa after their amazing duel. Remember two years ago, King Juan Carlos of Spain had to make the two Spanish pretenders shake hands as they didn’t exactly have a warm friendship.
After the race Lorezno was hardly able to speak, full of pure emotion, "I have no words to describe how I feel. I am so tired. I did 100% effort today and that is my present. One of my dreams!"
It appeared that his present arrived early as he's due to celebrate his birthday in just two days time.
This enthralling race and victory put Lorenzo at the top of the championship standings, not a bad day’s work for someone who missed part of pre-season testing and suffered with a hand injury. Perhaps this season, Lorenzo’s Land really can rule the world? Next race is three weeks time (do we really have to wait that long!) at LeMans in France. Let’s hope it can be as exciting as this one. Now you will have to excuse me, I’m off to watch the re-run again and marvel at how Lorenzo stole the victory! Catalunya 2009, Rossi beating Lorezno at the final corner was awesome but today was something very special too…
By Leandra Graves
Monday, 12 April 2010
RAMPANT ROSSI ROARS TO WIN IN QATAR!
Reigning World Moto GP Champion, Valentino Rossi, raced to victory in the first round of the inaugural Moto GP Championship. It was a Fiat Yamaha one- two as his team-mate, Jorge Lorenzo finished second, whilst Italian Andrea Dovizioso took third on the Repsol Honda.
Losail Circuit was the venue for the eagerly awaited series to return and the fans were treated to a spectacular race. Racing in the desert, the race last year had to be cancelled for freakish monsoon conditions, but this year the weather stayed perfect and the race took place at night time, adding to the colour and occasion.
Australia’s Casey Stoner on the red Ducati, appeared favourite to secure the win. He set a blistering pole position time on Saturday on a track he has dominated in the past. This weekend was expected to be all about the man on the number 27 bike and after a few laps he was pulling away into the lead, looking like a forgone conclusion of a win in the opening round.
However, Stoner slid off into the gravel on lap five of the 22 lap race, under pressure from a chasing Rossi. This wasn’t the first time Stoner has fallen whilst in front. Stoner is undeniably one of the fastest men in Moto GP but it was a sorry start to this season’s campaign when it was his race to lose. His pace had been pulverising those behind him and he had just recorded the fastest time before his race came to an untimely end.
A disappointed Stoner said, “Once I got to the front I started to get into my rhythm but I lost the front end a couple of times in long corners so I made the decision to try to ride a bit smoother and not put so much pressure on the front tyre with the full tank. Unfortunately that is what led to the crash because looking at the telemetry I didn’t have enough load on the front, so I guess in hindsight I should have stuck to the way I’d been riding all weekend. It’s my mistake and I apologise to the team because we’d done a great job this weekend and we leave empty handed.”
His loss was Rossi’s gain, as he then took control of the race. Dovizioso and Stoner’s team-mate Nicky Hayden, were then locked in a titanic battle for second place, which went to the wire. ‘Dovi’ had massive speed down the straight and with the advantage he had, he managed to remind Rossi he wasn’t going to have everything in his own way. Dovi overtook Rossi, only for ‘Vale’ to retake the lead. It certainly gave the number 46 bike the hurry up, as then Rossi delivered several faster laps in succession to build a larger gap.
It was the first time since 2005 that Rossi has won the opening race of the calendar and this will be an ominous sign to his rivals. Rossi enthused, “These 25 points at this stage are like gold dust, it's a fantastic result for the team to make a one-two at race one. Stoner was quite far ahead of me, I thought then that it was going to be hard to catch him!” explained Rossi. “Then he made a mistake and crashed, which was bad luck for him but crucial for us.”
Rossi’s team-mate Jorge Lorenzo had appeared to be having a lonely race in fourth position after making a bad start and suffering with a broken bone in his right hand from a crash a few months ago. Many doubted the Spaniard’s fitness, how would he manage in full race conditions? The number 99 rode a cautious first half of the race but then Lorenzo seemed to come alive with around seven laps left when he started setting fastest laps, reeling in the fighting duo of Dovi and Hayden. With two laps left, he passed the Ducati and then sent Dovi out wide to grab second place. A superb fight back from the injured Lorenzo who had appeared to be struggling after qualifying. “Today I had to disconnect my brain and just ride with my heart, and I am so happy about this second place,” said an overjoyed Lorenzo. “My hand was a bit sore but the bigger problem was the rear sliding, and early on with a full fuel tank I found it quite hard. My plan was to take it quietly and not risk too much, but after a while the adrenalin built up and I couldn't do that, I had to ride at the maximum!”
Whilst Lorenzo’s joy was clear for all to see after the race, celebrating his 20 point finish as if it was a win, Hayden must have considered himself the unluckiest guy on the track. Losing a precious finish on the rostrum, as on the last lap he managed to find a way past Dovi’s number 4 bike, only for Dovi to steal the final podium place from him as he rocketed passed him on the straight, taking the chequered flag ahead of him in a photo finish for third. The difference between the two was just one hundredth of a second, absolutely breathtaking!
It was only the third time in Dovi’s career that he had achieved a podium in the Moto GP class, so he was understandably overjoyed with what was one of the best races of his career. There had been many changes for the Italian over the winter including a new crew chief and after the first race and winter testing, he seems to have the upper hand on his more illustrious team-mate.
Dovi’s teamate, Dani Pedosa would not be one man smiling after a race of mixed emotions. Pedrosa made an incredible start and jumped up six places to take the lead into the first corner. He initially battled with Stoner and Rossi and looked in excellent form and set for a podium. His pace didn’t continue though and he fell into the clutches of the current World Superbike Champion, Ben Spies and LCR Honda’s, Randy De Puniet who both finished ahead of Pedrosa. It was a disappointing start for Pedrosa to finish in a lowly seventh by his standards. Over the winter, he had changed his race number from three back to 26. Perhaps, not a good luck charm for him!
Ducati were another team with no luck and had a bad day at the office. With the demise of Stoner, Hayden who eventually lost his shot at the podium, the two Pramac Ducati boys of Mika Kallio and Aleix Espargaro both left the race early with the Finn suffering a crash and the latter mechanical gremlins. Perhaps their new colour scheme of lime green should be reconsidered!
One man reaching a marvellous milestone was the likeable Italian, Loris Capirossi. Starting in his 300th race, for which he marked with a 24 carrot gold helmet design and 300 on the front of his bike. At 37, he proves there is life in the elder statesmen of the pack and finished with a solid ninth place result after duelling with Colin Edwards. It was a sad end to Alvaro Bautista’s Moto GP debut, when he crashed out on the final corner of the last lap after a battle with his 250cc arch rival Marco Simonchelli. Rookie of the day went to Hiroshi Aoyama with 10th place ahead of his bitter rivals from last season.
My Rider of the Day: Jorge Lorenzo. The boy is unlucky when it comes to injuries but he can turn the magic on and produce the goods despite the pain and the awkwardness of the broken bone/stitches. His last few laps when passing Dovi and Hayden showed remarkable confidence and pace and I believe a fully fit Jorge (if there ever is such one!) can really take the challenge to Rossi again this season. He has a new manager and despite limited testing compared to his counterparts, he still delivered a fantastic result, one who claimed “he was happier with this 2nd place, than some of his wins!
It had been a long wait during the winter for Moto GP to return but it certainly came back with a bang. Motegi, Japan in two weeks time is sure to be a thriller. Can Stoner bounce back from Qatar or will Rossi romp to victory again? I’m sure Lorenzo and co will have something to say about that…!
Losail Circuit was the venue for the eagerly awaited series to return and the fans were treated to a spectacular race. Racing in the desert, the race last year had to be cancelled for freakish monsoon conditions, but this year the weather stayed perfect and the race took place at night time, adding to the colour and occasion.
Australia’s Casey Stoner on the red Ducati, appeared favourite to secure the win. He set a blistering pole position time on Saturday on a track he has dominated in the past. This weekend was expected to be all about the man on the number 27 bike and after a few laps he was pulling away into the lead, looking like a forgone conclusion of a win in the opening round.
However, Stoner slid off into the gravel on lap five of the 22 lap race, under pressure from a chasing Rossi. This wasn’t the first time Stoner has fallen whilst in front. Stoner is undeniably one of the fastest men in Moto GP but it was a sorry start to this season’s campaign when it was his race to lose. His pace had been pulverising those behind him and he had just recorded the fastest time before his race came to an untimely end.
A disappointed Stoner said, “Once I got to the front I started to get into my rhythm but I lost the front end a couple of times in long corners so I made the decision to try to ride a bit smoother and not put so much pressure on the front tyre with the full tank. Unfortunately that is what led to the crash because looking at the telemetry I didn’t have enough load on the front, so I guess in hindsight I should have stuck to the way I’d been riding all weekend. It’s my mistake and I apologise to the team because we’d done a great job this weekend and we leave empty handed.”
His loss was Rossi’s gain, as he then took control of the race. Dovizioso and Stoner’s team-mate Nicky Hayden, were then locked in a titanic battle for second place, which went to the wire. ‘Dovi’ had massive speed down the straight and with the advantage he had, he managed to remind Rossi he wasn’t going to have everything in his own way. Dovi overtook Rossi, only for ‘Vale’ to retake the lead. It certainly gave the number 46 bike the hurry up, as then Rossi delivered several faster laps in succession to build a larger gap.
It was the first time since 2005 that Rossi has won the opening race of the calendar and this will be an ominous sign to his rivals. Rossi enthused, “These 25 points at this stage are like gold dust, it's a fantastic result for the team to make a one-two at race one. Stoner was quite far ahead of me, I thought then that it was going to be hard to catch him!” explained Rossi. “Then he made a mistake and crashed, which was bad luck for him but crucial for us.”
Rossi’s team-mate Jorge Lorenzo had appeared to be having a lonely race in fourth position after making a bad start and suffering with a broken bone in his right hand from a crash a few months ago. Many doubted the Spaniard’s fitness, how would he manage in full race conditions? The number 99 rode a cautious first half of the race but then Lorenzo seemed to come alive with around seven laps left when he started setting fastest laps, reeling in the fighting duo of Dovi and Hayden. With two laps left, he passed the Ducati and then sent Dovi out wide to grab second place. A superb fight back from the injured Lorenzo who had appeared to be struggling after qualifying. “Today I had to disconnect my brain and just ride with my heart, and I am so happy about this second place,” said an overjoyed Lorenzo. “My hand was a bit sore but the bigger problem was the rear sliding, and early on with a full fuel tank I found it quite hard. My plan was to take it quietly and not risk too much, but after a while the adrenalin built up and I couldn't do that, I had to ride at the maximum!”
Whilst Lorenzo’s joy was clear for all to see after the race, celebrating his 20 point finish as if it was a win, Hayden must have considered himself the unluckiest guy on the track. Losing a precious finish on the rostrum, as on the last lap he managed to find a way past Dovi’s number 4 bike, only for Dovi to steal the final podium place from him as he rocketed passed him on the straight, taking the chequered flag ahead of him in a photo finish for third. The difference between the two was just one hundredth of a second, absolutely breathtaking!
It was only the third time in Dovi’s career that he had achieved a podium in the Moto GP class, so he was understandably overjoyed with what was one of the best races of his career. There had been many changes for the Italian over the winter including a new crew chief and after the first race and winter testing, he seems to have the upper hand on his more illustrious team-mate.
Dovi’s teamate, Dani Pedosa would not be one man smiling after a race of mixed emotions. Pedrosa made an incredible start and jumped up six places to take the lead into the first corner. He initially battled with Stoner and Rossi and looked in excellent form and set for a podium. His pace didn’t continue though and he fell into the clutches of the current World Superbike Champion, Ben Spies and LCR Honda’s, Randy De Puniet who both finished ahead of Pedrosa. It was a disappointing start for Pedrosa to finish in a lowly seventh by his standards. Over the winter, he had changed his race number from three back to 26. Perhaps, not a good luck charm for him!
Ducati were another team with no luck and had a bad day at the office. With the demise of Stoner, Hayden who eventually lost his shot at the podium, the two Pramac Ducati boys of Mika Kallio and Aleix Espargaro both left the race early with the Finn suffering a crash and the latter mechanical gremlins. Perhaps their new colour scheme of lime green should be reconsidered!
One man reaching a marvellous milestone was the likeable Italian, Loris Capirossi. Starting in his 300th race, for which he marked with a 24 carrot gold helmet design and 300 on the front of his bike. At 37, he proves there is life in the elder statesmen of the pack and finished with a solid ninth place result after duelling with Colin Edwards. It was a sad end to Alvaro Bautista’s Moto GP debut, when he crashed out on the final corner of the last lap after a battle with his 250cc arch rival Marco Simonchelli. Rookie of the day went to Hiroshi Aoyama with 10th place ahead of his bitter rivals from last season.
My Rider of the Day: Jorge Lorenzo. The boy is unlucky when it comes to injuries but he can turn the magic on and produce the goods despite the pain and the awkwardness of the broken bone/stitches. His last few laps when passing Dovi and Hayden showed remarkable confidence and pace and I believe a fully fit Jorge (if there ever is such one!) can really take the challenge to Rossi again this season. He has a new manager and despite limited testing compared to his counterparts, he still delivered a fantastic result, one who claimed “he was happier with this 2nd place, than some of his wins!
It had been a long wait during the winter for Moto GP to return but it certainly came back with a bang. Motegi, Japan in two weeks time is sure to be a thriller. Can Stoner bounce back from Qatar or will Rossi romp to victory again? I’m sure Lorenzo and co will have something to say about that…!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
