2018 MotoGP Catalunya – it’s showtime!
With the front row of the grid consisting of Lorenzo, Marquez and Dovizioso respectively, it’s difficult to speculate who will stand on the top step of the podium when all is said and done. With Vinales, Iannone and Petrucci heading up the second row, and everyone behind just as eager to stamp their mark on the circuit, who will be king of the hill at the 2018 MotoGP Catalunya?
As usual, Marc Marquez makes a commanding start, straight into first position and just ahead of his future teammate Jorge Lorenzo. From fifth on the grid, Andrea Iannone jumps into second and begins chasing Marquez, determined not to let him break away from the rest. Unfortunately, an attempt at passing Marquez leads Iannone wide and costs him second place too as Lorenzo bites back. It isn’t long before Lorenzo, who has decided to leave the Ducati he’s finally managed to make work for him, capitalises on the unbelievable speed of the Desmodici and snatches first position. Lorenzo’s wide sweeping lines make it difficult for anyone to pass but Marquez will inevitably barge him out the way if need be.
Dovizioso is never one to rule out and is slowly catching Marquez, followed closely by Rossi. Despite having started in 11th position, Dani Pedrosa sits in 5th position behind Rossi. Dani has confirmed he is to leave Repsol Honda after many years, a decision that must have been difficult for him, but it appears that HRC are to blame for dropping Dani. Lin Jarvis, Yamaha Racing managing director, has stated he would love to see Dani on a satellite Yamaha next year if he is open to the option. We wait and see.
As fast as Lorenzo is, Marquez is slowly but surely closing the gap. All riders are pushing hard in the heat of the Spanish sun. Who will break first? Cal Crutchlow is having a very good ride behind Dani Pedrosa, good to see him back at his best. Lorenzo still leads the pack, still on a high after his win last week. The same can’t be said for his Ducati teammate as Dovi ditches it into the gravel. Just a little too hot into the corner and the race is run for Andrea Dovizioso, another race ending in tears for the Italian hopeful.
Disaster for Dovi!
With Dovi out of the race, Rossi moves up into third position behind Marquez. Rossi followed intently by Pedrosa, Petrucci and Crutchlow. Rossi has been performing better and better each time he races. After some technical issues with the Yamaha, Rossi appears to be back and running with the top dogs again. Petrucci must have made an error somewhere as he has let both Zarco and Vinales through, ultimately landing in himself in 8th position.
With only 9 laps until the end of the race, Crutchlow is itching to grab 4th place from Pedrosa, refusing to move off his rear tyre. Meanwhile up the front of the pack, Lorenzo still hangs on to 1st position. He appears to be hanging on to this position well, Marquez seemingly content in 2nd. I can speculate the Marc would prefer to be 2nd in this race and add to his already wide points lead than end up in the gravel again.
Crutchlow finally pulls the trigger and makes a beautiful pass on Dani Pedrosa, sliding into 4th place. Has Cal got the speed and time left in this race to challenge for a podium place? A few places behind, Tito Rabat’s Ducati burst into flames! The Spanish rider won’t be making his stamp on the circuit this year as he slowly rides the bike into the gravel before dumping the bike in the dirt. He waves his arms to motion the marshals to come over, maybe to bring some burgers and makes the most of the fire? His bike may be barbecued but at least he has come away unhurt.
And the winner is…
Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo
As the checkered flag is waved, Jorge Lorenzo crosses the line to claim his second victory in a row. Marc Marquez finishes in second place behind his soon-to-be teammate, followed by Valentino Rossi. An impressive ride from Cal Crutchlow puts him in 4th place followed by Dani Pedrosa, and Maverick Vinales. An impressive ride from all riders here at the 2018 MotoGP Catalunya. Next stop, Assen for the Dutch GP, a favourite with Rossi. But who will stand on the top step in Assen? Join us next time!
Rossi, Lorenzo and Marquez
Top Ten:
1) Lorenzo
2) Marquez
3) Rossi
4) Crutchlow
5) Pedrosa
6) Vinales
7) Zarco
8) Petrucci
9) Bautista
10) Iannone
All photo’s courtesy of motogp.com
