Moto GP 2008 Round 4 Race Review

After all the action and drama of practise and qualifying the stage was set for a great race. The morning warm-up was run in full wet conditions and it was uncertain what the weather would do. As the field sat on the grid during the pre-race build up there weren’t many happy faces among the riders. Track conditions were less than ideal with wet sections and a fairly distinctive dry line around most of the circuit. Despite the race being officially declared ’wet’ all riders had chosen slick tyres. 

More pain for Jorge Lorenzo as his bike stalled on the grid as the riders took off for the warm-up lap. It looked as though Lorenzo had forgotten his injured ankles as he instinctively jumped off the bike and began to push it in an attempt to get it started…..ouch! Very cruel indeed. Finally his crew were able to run on to the grid and get him started.

Off the start it was veteran Colin Edwards with the lead into the first corner but Casey Stoner just squeezed past. The pace was fast and furious as the lead pack began to settle in and start to think about where to now. Pedrosa was the first to break away with Rossi in hot pusuit. Casey Stoner settled into third and was looking like he may join the battle at the front. Rossi got past Pedrosa for the lead and the two put on a display that saw them lapping at near record pace. Rossi was at his best and as hard as Pedrosa tried he could not find a way past ‘The Doctor’. Stoner had dropped of the pace somewhat and looked settled in third. Pedrosa also eventually relinquished and thoughts of catching Rossi and settled for second. Meanwhile, Jorge Lorenzo who had earlier dropped to ninth had carved his way through the field to finish fourth in what must be said was a brilliant and brave ride considering his injuries.

So that would seem to be  the last Chinese Moto GP we are likely to see for some time as the race will go elsewhere in 2009. Judging by the lack of spectators it appears that Moto GP is going to take some time to gain in popularity in China. Or maybe it is just that everyone is too Olympic focused to pay any attention to anything else. Not to mention the problems associated with the race namely the trouble many riders and teams faced with visa uncertainty and dramas with flights due to red tape and delays getting paperwork in order.

World Championship Positions ( after 4 rounds )

1- Dani Pedrosa ( Spain ) Honda  81

2- Jorge Lorenzo ( Spain ) Yamaha 74

3- Valentino Rossi ( Italy ) Yamaha 72

4- Casey Stoner ( Australia ) Ducati 56

5- Loris Capirossi ( Italy ) Suzuki 33

6- James Toseland ( Britain ) Yamaha 33

7- Colin Edwards ( USA ) Yamaha 31

8- Nicky Hayden ( USA ) Honda 29

9- Andrea Dovizioso ( Italy ) Honda 26

10- John Hopkins ( USA ) Kawasaki 26

Next Race : Le Mans, France May 18th.