‘We now have the closest racing ever’
So that’s the end of that. A GP season to remember, in spite of the shambolic finish last weekend: 155 crashes over the three days a new record, over 2017’s 140 at Misano. A number doubtless swelled by officials’ delaying the red flag in the hope of avoiding a restart.
For once, though, I’m not here to complain about officialdom and carp at management. A generally brilliant 2018 might be a confluence of coincidence, or a happy bulge of talent. Or is it proof that Dorna knew what they were doing all along? Maybe the best statistic came on Saturday; all six MotoGP manufacturers qualified in the top eight, within just over three tenths. Or was it the race, with five different makes taking the top seven places? Back in 2012, it didn’t seem that Dorna had a clue. That was when they opened the premier class to production-based CRT bikes; a debasing experience even if it did fill the dwindling grids. But fill them with what?
At the time, big chief Carmelo
‘155 crashes over three days is a new record’
Ezpeleta was bullish, declaring loudly that if the factories didn’t step into line, cut costs and produce enough prototypes to fill the grid, Dorna would go racing without them. Few believed the might of the industry would buckle at the deskthumping threats of the boss of a small Spanish sports-promotion company.
But they did, and we now have the closest racing ever, with the most manufacturers ever. The tactics have worked.
Talking of debasing, last weekend also marked the end of Moto2 as we know it. Few will miss the shrill piping of all those identical low-tuned road-geared Honda engines. The Triumph motors will also be singing the same song, but at least with attractive voices. It’ll be impressive if the Trumpets can match Honda’s reliability, though. Anyway, it’s over, and I’m off now for the winter. But before I go, I must thank my trolls for the poisonous barrage last week, for my perceived insult to Valentino. Reminiscent of those fans who boo Marquez on the podium whenever he has the temerity to beat him. I am second to nobody in my admiration and respect for Rossi. He’s given so much to racing. But I hate seeing him struggling, for whatever reason. And I worry that he might get hurt. Sorry if you don’t agree.
I’ll get my coat.