Last night’s German GP provided some of the best racing that I’ve seen in a while. Firstly, the amazing Mark Marquez became the first rider since 1997 to win 5 125cc races in a row, an astonishing feat in these days of close racing. I am guessing that the previous record-holder was Valentino Rossi, so he’s in pretty good company. And he won those 5 races from 5 pole positions, too. Heady stuff. Most significantly, the Spanish youngster managed to hold his nerve and win despite being nearly an innocent victim of Pol Espagaro’s frightening accident. Quite how the two didn’t become tangled when Espagaro high-sided I do not know. Marquez certainly looks like the champion-elect even with more than half of the season left to run.
Then the Moto2 race again demonstrated the grit and determination that we have seen over the years from Tony Elias. Despite copping a big hit in the first corner (courtesy of avery tardy start, it must be said) he schythed his way through the pack to win and extend his lead in the Moto2 championship. Great riding by the Power Up pair of Ianonne and Talmasci to take the minors, but Elias showed the benefit of his MotoGP experience.
By far the most exciting thing about the Moto2 race, however, was the performance of Australia’s Damian Cudlin. Details of his testing, etc, have already been published here, but, starting out of 22nd position, Damian worked his way forward until late in the race when he was running in FOURTH position, despite never having raced in the class before. His rear tyre went off towards the end and he slipped to 7th by the flag, but I have no doubt that his performance will one day be spoken of in simialr vein as Troy Bayliss’s 6th place on the 250cc Suzuki at PI all those years ago. It truly was an inspiring performance and one which marks him as a true contender. Well done, Damian.
The the big race. Again, it was a cracker. Sadly it was split in two parts after the shocking accident involving RdP (who has broken both bones in his lower leg and is looking at a long recuperation), Aliex Espagaro and Alvaro Bautista. Lorenzo looked like doing his usual bolt in the first half, but Pedrosa hung on to him grimly in the second piece and eventually passed him and pulled away to win easily. 2010 has shown us a whole new Pedrosa and I’m liking what I see. Then there was the dice for 3rd between Rossi and Stoner. Talk about edge-of-the-seat stuff. They passed and re-passed all the way to the flag with Casey pulling out a surprise pass on the last corner to deny Rossi what would have been an extraordinary podium. The fact that Valentino was able to contest the race AT ALL, let alone contend for a podium position shows again just how far above normal mortals this Italian wonder really is. The old F1 racing mechanics used to have a saying, “The impossible we can manage – miracles take a little longer.” In Rossi’s case it should be amended to “The impossible I can manage – miracles are just as easy.”
Away from the MotoGP arena, Josh Brookes took a win and a mechanical DNF at the Snetterton round of the BSB to briefly take then relinquish the lead in that championship. Tommy Hill’s 2nd place to Kyonari in the 2nd race sees him back in the lead by just 2 points, but Josh is still looking good.
sanoptic says
Yep that was a great race, 1st time in ages i didn’t fall asleep half way through!The battle with Rossi & Stoner & Lorenzo/Pedrosa was the best riding i have seen in a long time in the Motogp class..
How about that camera with the gyro on Rossi’s bike,the lean angle is incredable gives you a new perspective on these bikes.
Looking forward to the next race in the States.