If you follow MotoGP at all, you know that Jorge Lorenzo can dominate the entire weekend when he finds a track that suits his style. Already several times this year he has arrived at a track, had the top time in practice and gone on to take pole and lead every single lap of the race.
The Misano Circuit was recently resurfaced, and the track is much faster. Only Lorenzo and his Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi, among the top factory teams, has not tested on the new surface. Marc Marquez (Honda), for instance, reportedly scorched the track record by at least two seconds when he tested on the new surface with Honda recently.
Despite lacking testing data on the new surface, Lorenzo was nipping at the heels of Marquez in FP1 earlier today, and then took the fastest lap of the day in FP2. More importantly, observers already note that Lorenzo has the fastest rhythm, able to string together far more sub-1:34 laps than any other rider.
If Lorenzo wins this weekend, and Marquez finishes second, even a podium by Rossi will mean Lorenzo is just 3 points behind in the championship. Should be an interesting weekend.
Lorenzo was on mediums while Rossi and Marquez were on hards; Lorenzo has issues when the tires go off at the end of the race, and Misano will be hot.
The real winner will be the fans. Whether the race winner is Jorge, Valentino, Marc or Pedrosa, we’ve got a real race on our hands. With any luck the champ won’t be crowned until the very last lap of the very last race.
+1 absolutely! Love to see the “old man” get one last title, though!
Could the weather at Misano be a factor? It’s forecast to be hot and humid on Sunday. Lorenzo blamed Indy’s MotoGP weather for part of his inability to keep Marc behind him. Speaking of Indy and MotoGP… We will miss you!
“Speaking of Indy and MotoGP…”
Yes, that is some bad news. There’s going to be a great big hole in my summer next year.
Not surprised; GP guys deserve more than the infield of NASCAR oval. COTA is a real track, and if a second US venue could be sponsored, there are certainly better choices.
So you are telling me that things ARE bigger in Texas?
I guess I may have to fly out there and check it out next year. Can I fit my Grom in a suitcase?