MotoGP: Lorenzo strengthens his championship bid in Britain

It was Cal Crutchlow’s backyard. He was riding with the wind from his home-crowd driving his sails. But like a diffident teen, his talent stumbled briefly when he was trapped by the spotlight. Crutchlow crashed heavily during final practice, a mishap which posed valid questions about his ability to start the race.

MotoGP is not short on fame seekers. Like victims in the film, Wanted, Bautista’s name came up. In seizing the moment, Bautista rode to pole, displaced the usual suspects and introduced new intrigue to an already drama-laden season. Bautista sat on pole with seasoned warriors, Ben Spies, Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo lurking nearby. Bautista, a novice to pole position, was given a torrid introduction. He was steam rolled at the start and by turn 1, he was third, behind Spies and Stoner.

Spies

Spies lead Lap 1, but the Stoner led freight train was only a wheel away. Spies blundered, ran wide and Stoner took the lead with 16 laps to go. Spies’ departure from P1 saw no recovery, he finished 5th .

Stoner took the reins and made a run for it. But, Lorenzo, possibly motivated by Stoner’s retirement plans, had checkered flag ambitions. He kept improving his position, from 5th , until he was within striking distance of Stoner. He chased the defending World Champion and eventually passed him. Stoner fought back immediately and for a couple corners, the fierce battle between the 2 that the MotoGP world awaits, materialized, but Lorenzo was a beast.

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Lorenzo vs Stoner

There was no restraining him. He eventually brushed Stoner’s Honda off his Yamaha and left him sniffing defeat. Lorenzo is obviously on a Championship clinching mission. He kept his machine honest and rode to victory. He leads the championship with 140 points, 25 points ahead of Stoner. If Stoner fails to put the brakes on Lorenzo’s momentum, he might find that successfully defending his title is nothing but a dream!

Bautista

The two elements of additional intrigue for the weekend – Crutchlow and Bautista left Silverstone with the respect of the more than 60 thousand fans who packed the stands. Crutchlow ignored the pain injury produced and from the back of the grid, he revved his steed to a proud finish. He finished 6th !

Bautista, despite being bullied by the World Champions earlier, fought a valiant fight. He finished 4th!

The typical British weather, did not visit Silverstone for Round 6 on race-day and the riders showed their appreciation by riding as if their careers depended on it. That is how we love it! What do you think about Cal Crutchlow’s ride at Silverstone?

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British GP 2012

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer