With the threat of rain, the Sepang MotoGP event was moved up a couple of hours earlier today, and the entire race was run on dry tarmac. As a result, a blistering pace was set at the front by Valentino Rossi (Yamaha), chased by Marc Marquez (Honda) who has already clinched the 2018 title. Marquez later said he rode at the limit to stay with Rossi, nearly crashing three times.
Unfortunately for Rossi, he did crash from the lead with four laps remaining, allowing Marquez to cruise home for the win ahead of second place Alex Rins (Suzuki) and third place Johann Zarco (Yamaha).
Follow this link to full race results. For additional details and points, visit the official MotoGP site.
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There were many visual moments from that race that, for me, had the symbolism of the torch being passed to the new King of Motogp. Whilst VR46 will continue to win races, I don’t think he’ll be able to beat the assembled talent over a complete season. Love to proven wrong though.
Longtime Rossi fan here, but I think Marquez has been warming his hands with that torch for a few years now.
Rossi’s pit crew shouldn’t have put up the board stating that MM is 0.6s behind him. And let him run the race on his own.
Nonsense!
While it would have provided for better entertainment had Rossi not crashed. As the MotoGP commentators did mention, the “jaws music was playing” with Marquez hunting down Rossi. The great Valentino succumbed to the pressure.
I think both were on the edge but given the Yamaha’s rear tire issues, Rossi went down first. Although MM’s ability to keep a flailing bike upright may have played a role as well. It really shows MM’s willingness to push the limits regardless of circumstances.
Nice to see Rossi give his all but consistency can only take you so far if you can’t win a few races. I’d rather see him retire while still a strong competitor than wait til he’s fighting for the top ten…of course, that’s his call.
Both were definitely pushing. During the post-race press conference, Marquez said that he thought Rossi had entered that corner a little wide and, under pressure not too lose any time, tried to cut back in on the apex. Riding on the limit already, it was just too big of an ask. Marquez also said that he was asking everything of the tires and had to pick the bike up off the deck four times with his elbow.
It’s hard to know whether it was fatigue or slower reflexes as both result from being at the door of forty years old. Either way, it may have been his last best chance to win a MotoGP race.
“Either way, it may have been his last best chance to win a MotoGP race.”
I highly doubt that.
If he lead for 15 laps, then he is still win capable. I don’t think he’ll get many, though. The field is too deep. Everything would have to go just right..
Hey Dirck: I didn’t know you were a prophet my friend. Your article says that MM has sealed up the “2019” Championship. Hehe.
Sad for Rossi. I really wanted to see him win.
Suzuki has pretty much arrived. Rins has 8 podiums this year I think I heard? Wow!
Oops.
Suzuki has eight podiums: four each for Rins and Ianonne.
Rins is fast!!!!! And his Suzuki too!!! A bummer about Rossi, though.
Good race by Syarhin as well. With Motorcycle manufacturing (and rider populations) moving towards South(east) Asia, the Mediterraneans will have to get used to some competition.
Absolute gut punch.
Oh well, at least joe b is happy.