What a weekend it has been for Moto GP fans. With all the highs and lows, it was a rollercoaster ride around Valencia.
Casey Suprises Everyone (Including Himself)
Though Valentino Rossi was already crowned Moto GP World Champion, it seemed the man of the hour was Casey Stoner. If anyone were able to challenge the World Champion it would be him.
But in a shock turn of events, Stoner binned the bike in the warm up lap, managing to flip the machine and cause enough damage to shatter his Valencia hopes. His chances were over, and the field was left wide open for others to contend the Valencia throne.
Dani Pedrosa Takes A Home Win
Spaniard Dani Pedrosa pleased his home crowd with a dominating 2.63s lead over Rossi. Firing off the second position on the start line, Pedrosa headed the pack into turn one and never looked back. His victory helped his secure a third place in the Championship standings.
Ben Silences His Critics
Among the field was the bright-eyed and bushy tailed Texan, Ben Spies, who took to the track on his machine for next year’s season in a wildcard entry. With a huge amount of pressure and ever more speculation about his performance, Spies delivered the goods in both qualifying and throughout the race. Starting ninth on the grid, Spies finished ahead of seasoned GP riders de Puniet and Dovisioso to take seventh place. New bike. New tyres. Unfamiliar track. Not bad, I think you’ll agree.
But towards the front of the pack a battle was emerging – on and off the track.
Rossi Threatens Yamaha
Before the race began, Rossi uttered some words which probably chilled the Yamaha garage to the core. For 2011, its him or Lorenzo. Yamaha have to decide.
Already tied in for the 2010 season, Rossi threatened to leave Yamaha if they signed Lorenzo. And his threats are worth heeding, especially with Italian manufacturer Ducati nipping at Yamaha’s heels for the affections of the World Champion. So with too many chiefs in Yamaha’s garage, they have to make a tough decision. Seasoned World Champion, or a young, upcoming protege?
So with the highs, lows and team bickering, Moto GP 2009 ended with a bang in more than one way.
The 2010 season will certainly be interesting.