Marc Marquez (Honda) extended his championship points lead earlier today by winning the Le Mans MotoGP race — his third win of the year, and Honda’s 300th Premier Class win. The historic (for Honda) victory came as Marquez dispatched an early challenge from Jack Miller (Ducati) to pull a sizeable gap on his way to victory.
Behind Marquez, Factory Ducati riders Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci fought over second place. Dovizioso ultimately held off Petrucci at the flag as the two Ducati riders earned their place on the podium with Marquez. Miller finished fourth with a small gap over fifth place Valentino Rossi (Yamaha).
Follow this link to full race results. For additional details and points, visit the official MotoGP site.
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Gotta give it up to Team KTM and Pol Espargaro. Hugely impressive! Fine ride by Jack Miller and Danillo Petrucci. Had me wondering if they didn’t push the envelope with 3 Ducatis and their prime title contender up there.
When Rossi is not even passing Jack Miller on the final lap, never mind Petrucci, you know it’s a case of couldn’t, not wouldn’t.
This was supposed to appear below, and in response to, mickey’s comment.
I hope Jack Miller got a bonus for being on the front and roasting his tires early. Someone needs to thank him for making those laps exciting. But how about the warm up lap crash of Karel Abraham and Joan Mir? That’s one way of impressing your sponsors!
“The Ducati” is a misnomer. It’s not the same bike (or team?) it was when Rossi rode it. FWIW, we said that when he went to Yamaha. That worked.out ok.
I don’t know what Honda is paying Marquez, but it’s not enough. There is no other rider in motoGP with his combination of skills and personality. Put him on a Ducati, Yamaha or Suzuki and he would still be winning championships.
I don’t know; I remember when they said that once about a guy named Rossi. How did he do on the Ducati?
“Personality?” Are you a personal friend? “Perceived personality,” FIFY.
What is your rate of accurately predicting the future in motorcycle racing?
I generally appreciate your contributions to the discussion, but… this last one sounded a bit snippy and beneath you.
It was great to see Pol Espargaro hold onto 6th place for KTM.
True, he rode well, and his placing didn’t come from people crashing out ahead of him. he earned it.
Bet Zarco is ready for a rubber room somewhere.
I was surprised to see Rossi not pushing more, although passing the Ducs would have been tough. Still it was never Rossi’s nature not to attack. Maybe he was content with picking up some points with little risk, but if he wants a 10th Championship, and not settle for just being first Yamaha, he’s going to have to go for it.