Marc Marquez went into the second half of the MotoGP season at the top of a close fought championship, but a dominant performance at Brno this weekend saw him extend his lead over the chasing pack.
The Honda rider and reigning world champion topped free practice and qualifying to start at the front of the grid on a wet track, with all riders using Michelin’s Power Rain tyres.
Jorge Lorenzo got away quickest to steal the lead on lap one, with Marquez close behind.
The #93 bike soon came into the pits, as Marquez became the first rider to switch to slick tyres as he spied a drying line around the circuit. His early change soon worked in his favour, as Marquez stormed to the front on lap 6 to hold a 20 second lead over Aleix Espargaro.
For the rest of the race he was never threatened, finishing 12.4s ahead of teammate Dani Pedrosa with Maverick Vinales in third on the Yamaha.
Last year’s winner Cal Crutchlow put in a strong performance on the LCR Honda to finish as top Brit, but a last lap move from Valentino Rossi relegated him to 5th and also ensured that things remain tight at the top of the championship.
Viñales and Dovizioso now trail the Honda ace by 14 and 21 points respectively.
An elated Marc Marquez commented:
“Honestly, it was a difficult Sunday. First of all, a special Sunday. All the riders were riding for one legend that we lost and it was extra motivation. Today I felt like I wanted to take a risk to try and win the race. The first decision was on the grid, that time was the incorrect decision…I put on the soft tyre because my plan was to push for four or five laps and then go in. But it was the wrong decision, it was spinning and I lost many positions. That made me go into the box a bit earlier, but it was the only chance I had. When I came out on slicks I almost crashed three or four times, but then I started to calm down. Then one lap when I passed the pit board it said P1, plus 18 or 20 seconds and then everything was better, the sun came out!
I normally struggle a lot at this circuit every year but the test we did here in summer break was really important. To leave Brno with 25 points gives me good confidence. Today, I don’t know why, I got up and said ‘I want to take a risk’. And I did in all ways, and in the end we have 25 points for the Championship. Now we’ll enjoy this victory, then there’s a test tomorrow to where we have to try some setups to understand better before the Red Bull Ring. Last year we struggled but we were there, not very far, so if we can improve a bit I think we can fight for the podium. But first we should enjoy the win, then on Friday after FP1 and FP2 I’ll let you know how we are!”
Next weekend the teams are back in action at Austria’s Red Bull Ring for round 11.
