Well, here we go again, last test before the season start at Portimão tomorrow and Sunday. I'm not sure if Video Pass will cover it but Crashnet will.
Now JUNE 9, and the track is MUGELLO/Italy. This should be interesting since Marc Marquez is 'back', and several of the recently injured contenders have been declared fit for Sunday. DUCATI country, but KTM and Honda are not so far away. Sunday will tell the story.
With 8 bikes in the field and 5 or 6 riders capable of winning, everywhere is Ducati country. Can't really fault Suzuki for withdrawing after last season. Maybe Yamaha should have followed as they are even less competitive. Oh well, maybe it'll rain.
We've reached the summer break. Marquez has yet to complete a race and Ducati lost a sprint and 1 Gp. Exciting season, not. Doubt if I get video pass next year.
Since there isn't anything interesting to discuss during the break, they are suggesting concessions for Honda and Yamaha who have never benefited from concessions. Of course Ducati who benefited from 5 years of concessions oppose the idea.
Finally back to racing this weekend at Silverstone. Unlikely to have a much different podium but can I get an over/under on the number of times Marc Marquez crashes? 4-7.
Scene of next mass first turn crash, Misano.
Fortunately first lap crashes are 'rare', but obviously they CAN happen. It is rather amazing that they don't happen more frequently, which is a testament to the skill of the riders.
There have been 3 this year including back to back the last 2 race weekends.
I can understand lack of interest in the season so far but today's race made up for a lot.
And now we are reflecting on the end of the season and how it will finally settle.
I am impressed with the Aprillias and KTMs,and disappointed with Yamaha and Honda. Ducati have been impressive, but not the wold beaters the factory had hoped for, . . . . . . . . . . . yet. I will hide and watch.
The title fight certainly isn't over but Martin has been so strong lately. It might be more interesting next year with Marc on the Gresini Ducati alongside his brother.
One weekend to go, 37 points and a 21 point lead for Bagnaia. Variables, tire quality, tire pressure and weather. The last can negate the first two.
Turn out the lights, the party's over. Unusual finish to the season. I won't spoil it yet. Have the Tuesday test to look to. Some different riders on different bikes and first looks at the 2024 bikes.
Just reading some 'news' that Marc Marquez will ride Ducati next season, along with his younger brother. His first testing so far shows he is rather fast compared to the other Ducati riders. Honda kinda blew it by not keeping their bikes up to snuff, KTM and Apprillia are competitive, but Honda and Yamaha seem to have lagged behind in development. Even Marc couldn't win on the Honda, so no reason to stay on un-comptetitive machinery. So he left to ride Ducati along with his brother. Hard to figure some corporate decisions, or maybe Honda was tired of winning. :o