Three winners from three races so far in the 2013 season, a Ducati in third spot on the grid and the rain falling - Le Mans was shaping up to be a thriller even before the lights went out. Could we get four different winners in four races? The smart money was on Jorge Lorenzo who loves Le Mans, however Rossi and Andrea Dovizioso could also throw up a few surprises...
With a rain race declared and the whole grid opting for wet tyres, the notoriously slippery Le Mans circuit wasn't looking a very friendly place for the riders, not that this seemed to worry Dovi. Bravery isn't the word as the Italian threw his Ducati into the first corner ahead of Lorenzo to take the lead. Behind him Rossi was busy making up places while Marc Marquez was looking less than comfortable in the first few laps.
After setting the initial pace, the Ducati and Dovi fairytale was over after just a few laps as Dani Pedrosa passed him. Happily, for the fans at least, Dovi had held Dani and Jorge up just long enough to allow Rossi to get in on the action. Could the fourth race winner of 2013 be Rossi? Or even Cal Crutchlow who, despite a broken leg, was lapping a second faster than the leaders! Wet races, you just have to love them...
How on it is Brit Scott Redding? Check the pic...
Just as he was looking like disappearing, a massive moment saw Dani drop back into the grip of the chasing pack of Rossi, Dovi, Cal, Lorenzo and even Nick Hayden! With Jorge looking pretty unhappy, both Rossi and Cal got through and set out after Dovi and Dani while Marc Marquez was suddenly starting to bother the fastest lap scorers.
11 laps to go and you could almost hear the sighs from the UK as Rossi dropped it, another fairytale had ended but there was always the chance of Cal taking a win or even Dovi on the Ducati. Dani was leading the race but the treacherous conditions meant that it would only take a small mistake from Pedrosa to allow Cal into the frame.
With Dani well up the road, the final podium space was a straight fight between ex-team mates Dovi and Cal. Five laps left and a moment saw Dovi lose drive, allowing Cal through to take second place. Putting some air between himself and Dovi, Cal looked on for his best ever MotoGP finish, however there was a small Spaniard going very fast behind him...
You have to hand it to Marc, rookie MotoGP year and first wet race and after a few laps to get his eye in the lad was flying. Three to go he was on Dovi's tail and past half a lap later. Could Cal hang onto second spot?
A good weekend for the factory Honda team
It was skin of the teeth stuff, but he managed it. Dani first, Cal an amazing second and Marc third in a cracking MotoGP race. Second spot in a MotoGP race with a broken leg? Stunning stuff Cal!
Over in Moto2 Brit Scott Redding took his first Moto2 win, a stunning achievement and putting him a clear 24 points ahead in the championship. The bike and rider weight limit has allowed Scotty to shine this year and demonstrate his true riding talent. The kid is mustard, watch him go.
In Moto3 Vinales took the win from Rins and Salom.
MotoGP
1. Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team)
2. Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3)
3. Marquez (Repsol Honda Team)
Moto2
1. Redding (Marc VDS Racing Team)
2. Kallio (Marc VDS Racing Team)
3. Simeon (Desguaces La Torre Maptaq)
Moto3
1: Vinales (Matteo Ferrari)
2: Rins (Estrella Galicia 0,0)
3: Salom (Red Bull KTM Ajo)
Brit watch
Cal Crutchlow (MotoGP) - 2
Bradley Smith (MotoGP) - 9
Michael Laverty (MotoGP - CRT) - 17
Scott Redding (Moto2) - 1
Danny Kent (Moto2) -16
Kyle Smith (Moto2) - DNF
Gino Rea - (Moto2) - DNF
John McPhee (Moto3) - 11