Monday 12th November 2012

PH2: MotoGP Spain

A chaotic end to the 2012 MotoGP season as the rain falls in Spain

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A wet Spanish finale saw almost the same number of riders starting from the pit lane as the grid in a crazy MotoGP race.

You have to love wet races as the CRT bike (Claiming Rule Team) of Aleix Espargaro led the pack with a whole stack of factory bikes behind. It was good while it lasted and after a glory lap Andrea Dovizioso restored order for the MotoGP bikes...

Stoner prepares for his last MotoGP race

Despite the wet it soon became apparent that slicks were the way forwards as Jorge Lorenzo eased through to second and then first place as anyone on wets dived for the pits in some chaotic scenes. But hang on a second, who is that in third? Yamaha test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga, filling in for Ben Spies. Who saw that coming?

After starting from the pit lane to swap for slicks, Dani Pedrosa and Cal Crutchlow made fast process through the field with Dani in the hunt for Lorenzo in second and Cal tagging on to Nakasuga and Stefan Bradl in a battle for third. Well, until the German hit the deck...

At the front the two Spaniards broke clear in what has been the story of the 2012 season, but unluckily for Lorenzo, Dani looked on fire. More ifs and buts, but what a race this would have been if the title was up for grabs. A mistake mid-race by Dani gave Jorge a bit of breathing space, but in trying to overtake James Ellison, Jorge hit the eject button in spectacular (and very angry) fashion. Anyone want a cheap M1 - only one careful owner...

Pedrosa soaks up the glory after a hard season

Lorenzo out and Cal was up into second place - could he hang on for 16 laps? Unfortunately not, seven to go and Cal got caught out at turn 13. On the bright side for Yamaha, that put Nakasuga in second place! And that's how it finished. Dani took a predictable win, Nakasuga an unlikely second and Stoner bowed out of MotoGP with a podium. Not a bad result.

The 2013 season starts on Tuesday with testing at Valencia. Rossi back on a Yamaha, Dovi on the Ducati, Stoner fishing in Australia and two Brits in MotoGP. PH2 can't wait for the fireworks to start. Anyone want to bet against Rossi taking a win in 2013?

A cracking Moto2 race was won by Marquez after starting dead last while Moto3 honors were taken by Brit Danny Kent. Two victories in the 2012 season for the young Brit promises much for 2013.

[stoocake]

Watching Marc Marquez start from the back of the pack and relentlessly make his way into first place was amazing. Aggressive, but great riding.