Quali had the newly empowered Franco Morbidelli P1, Fabio Quartararo P2 and nine times World Champion Valentino Rossi P3.
An exciting prospect for a Yamaha, front row lockout.
The Race:
A stormer of a start from Franco Morbidelli saw him lead the pack with Miller close by, then Valentino Rossi sliced past Miller to create the first lap three. For many, the dream had come true, Rossi second on one of his favourite tracks.
Further down it was a different story for Andrea Dovizioso. Johann Zarco flinched when Petrucci stood up in front of him, Zarco losing control hit the tarmac and took Andrea with him. A lap one disaster for the championship leader. The only survivor, Petrucci!
Four laps in and it was Morbidelli, Rossi and Quartararo pulling ahead of Miller. At this point, last race winner Maverick Vinales was 15th!
Lap six and Fabio pulled a strong but fair move on Rossi to put him second to his Petronas SRT teammate Morbidelli. Fabio was on the move and taking a risk strategy seemingly not worried about tyre conservation.
So much was Fabio’s impatience he took Morbidelli on lap nine, sixteen laps to go, a long way on tyres that might not be so racey in the last laps.
Valentino was holding third and was given a mapping change.
Pol Espargaro was looking feisty until a front end low side put him on the floor. Fabio was gapping the others by 2.5 seconds, taking his risk assessment very seriously. On the move from further down were Rins and Mir, the Suzukis looking smooth and controlled.
On lap 16 with a 0.720 gap to Fabio, Rossi with the front folding was down and out. This left Fabio P1 with a gap of 2.836 to Morbidelli, and a pacey Joan Mir in third, having overtaken Miller.
Four laps to go and the new order was Fabio, Franco, Joan and the newly placed Alex Rins. At this point, the Fabio/Joan gap was 2.645, but it was closing. Had Fabio gone too early? Was the risk assessment right?
Two laps to go and Mir took Morbidelli and soon Rins did the same. It seemed the riders were asking too much of their Michelins. However fabulous Fabio was riding around the problem, showing all the control and adaptability we have come to know him for.
Over the line it was Fabio, Joan and Alex following closely, very closely.
1. Fabio Quartararo Petronas Yamaha SRT 2. Joan Mir Suzuki Ecstar 3. Alex Rins Suzuki Ecstar.
Fabio has been having a hard time over the last few races, and made that clear at interview time, thanking his family and those who support him. He once again showed that he has all the requirements to be a Champion, and currently leads again. His post-race emotions showed how much it means to him to beat the odds, and perhaps the naysayers.
Photo:@MotoGP
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Author: Martin Northern
Founder of Bike Directory
