Rossi race-craft roasts rookie

The Doctor may have left Ducati 147 days ago as the 2012 MotoGP season ended in Valencia, yet he ended the new season on one after his determined riding meant his new Yamaha ran out of petrol shortly after crossing the finish line, needing a lift back to the pits!

MotoGP, with 24 riders representing 13 teams visiting 18 different circuits commenced its 2013 campaign in Qatar last weekend and will again be finishing the season in Valencia in November.

In recent years MotoGP has had to contend with accusations of being boring as only three riders have realistically contended for the title and rarely been competitive in the same race.

Some believe that there may still be too few who can top the podium regularly. Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo were compared to Valentino Rossi when breaking through, although both are now well established. Yet, not since 2000 when Rossi entered MotoGP has there been the hype surrounding another young Spaniard, 20-year-old Marc Marquez who even the Doctor described as ‘the new Rossi’. “He’s going into MotoGP to be the world champion,” said the seven-time champion and many expect him to break numerous records in his debut season.

The new qualifying format worked well – teams have a reduced number of engines to use this year (down from six to five) meaning that conservation is crucial, while qualifying is now determined based on the average times set over three practice sessions which then governs those who appear for final qualifying. This should ensure that riders are aiming for the maximum at all times, particularly those in midfield.

It may have been new hotshot Marquez who was setting the fastest pace in practice in Qatar, following on from his stunning times set in Austin, Texas. However, come the final reckoning he was nowhere to be seen. But, those writing him off at that stage clearly didn’t witness the brilliance with which he frequently came through a crowded Moto2 field last season.

Cal Crutchlow, who became the first Briton last season to claim a podium finish since Jeremy McWilliam at Donington in 2000, dominated the timesheet for much of the final day before a stunning lap from world champion Lorenzo re-established his dominance.

Looking to the season ahead, many believe that it is Honda’s Pedrosa who will claim the championship for the first time, referring to his six wins in eight races at the end of last season as proof that he has overcome his injuries and learnt from his crashes.

However, that ignores the fact that Lorenzo had the title wrapped up by that point. He knew that, realistically, there were few that could touch him, meaning that, even conservatively, he should secure a podium. Mission accomplished! Over the entire season Lorenzo only finished outside the top two twice.

Veteran American rider Colin Edwards believes that there are three riders who could challenge for the title and five that should make up the podium every race.

In addition to the two riders from each of the Yamaha and Honda factory teams, Crutchlow is added to the list. The Brit admits that he does not have the natural talent to compete with the young trio of Spaniards although observers believe that it is his effort and aggression that see him as a genuine contender. Silverstone was a great example where he came from the back of the grid to finish sixth – with a dislocated ankle!

It will be interesting to see whether the new penalty system, introduced to combat dangerous riding, will make the more aggressive riders change their style. Race officials can hand out penalty points that, on a cumulative basis throughout the season, will result in sanctions. Four points will see a rider demoted to the back of the grid while 10 will see them banned for one race.

This season will certainly be a battle between Yamaha and Honda. The latter are considered to have the superior engine, which was witnessed in Qatar as they powered down the long straight. However, all Yamaha riders were dominant through the twists and turns due to the better handling of their bikes.

It was Rossi’s arrival at Yamaha in 2004 that triggered the team’s revival, although it is Lorenzo who is now benefitting the most. The challenge facing both factory teams will be to manage the relationships between their riders, particularly if they are both fighting for a race win or championship!

With all riders looking ahead to the new circuit in Austin, Texas, it’s long straights should benefit Honda.

The Losail race itself was a classic – at least for the podium placings. Lorenzo led from start to finish in dominant fashion. After setting a succession of quick times in practice Crutchlow was expected to challenge, but a sluggish start off the line cost him two places. While he shadowed the two leading Hondas for much of the race, a resurgent Rossi forced him wide after undertaking him. Crutchlow had looked poised to overtake the factory Hondas until Rossi’s intervention. While he recovered admirably to retain fifth place, he was unable to challenge for a podium place.

Rossi, himself, had run off the track while attempting to overtake Pedrosa, slipping back into seventh in the opening laps. He was content to bide his time before overtaking and then forcing last season’s rookie of the year, Stefan Bradl, to slide off the track.

However, this was merely a prelude to an intriguing battle as Rossi unpicked Honda’s locks as Pedrosa and Marquez tried to close the gate. Pedrosa was unable to compete, leaving the veteran to race with the rookie. Marquez is credited with a similar riding style to Rossi, with late braking and a significant weight transfer leading into the apex of the bends, knees skimming the asphalt. For several laps the two went head to head with Marquez challenging on the straight and then trying to hold onto Rossi through the bends. 1-0 to the veteran.

While Lorenzo celebrated his victory, it was the name of the Italian that the crowd were chanting, demonstrating that Rossi on a competitive bike is what MotoGP has been missing. If the Italian continues this form, few will miss former world champion Casey Stoner, who has returned to his native Australia and swapped two wheels for four.

Rossi’s form was reminiscent of the last time he was with Yamaha, winning four world titles and 46 races, although the last title was in 2009.

There may be a number jumping off the Pedrosa bandwagon after this 10th race at the Losail circuit. However, this is one of only two circuits that Pedrosa has never won at (Silverstone being the other) and is the only race held under lights. Each of the other leading four riders has won here previously, Marquez winning with Moto2 on his way to the title.

Bahrain favourite Bradley Smith had a disappointing start in his first race after having qualified well. However, he became the youngest British rider to qualify in the top 10 in the premier class since Neil Hodgson in 1995 in Argentina.

Rossi returned to Yamaha and spurned a plethora of other offers to ‘see whether he has still got it’. He has! And so has MotoGP!