MotoGP: A superb ride by Marquez in Argentina!

Fifty two thousand seven hundred plus fans waited as 23 riders settled in for the GP in Argentina. Jorge Lorenzo at P2, provided the meat in the Honda sandwich at the front of the grid – Marquez on pole followed by Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa – P3.

The race began at a frightening pace. Marquez was buried in 6th after a poor start! There was a tussle for the lead involving several riders, but the race gradually took shape after a few riders fell and Lorenzo emerged as the leader. Surprisingly,  with 22 laps to go, MotoGP fans saw a Yamaha 1-2, but we all knew the race was not over.

Marquez started on pole, so pace was not his problem and like the flame from a welding torch, Marquez burnt a path to P2 and prepared for the Lorenzo-hunt. The gap between the 2 World Champions was as much as 1.3 seconds and Lorenzo’s pit crew did not waste time to tell him that Marquez was in hot pursuit!

As expected, the gap was gradually erased and fans were fed with 2 mouth-watering treats : 1) the first head to head battle of 2014 involving Marquez and Lorenzo and 2) a 4 way battle for 3rd fought by gladiators – Bradl, Iannone, Pedrosa and Rossi.

With a handful of laps remaining, Marquez successfully arm- wrestled Lorenzo and took P1. Dani Pedrosa riding as if he was inspired, distanced himself from the battling gaggle of riders. He claimed P3 and went in pursuit of Lorenzo. Pedrosa caught the fleeing Lorenzo with 2 laps to go and as they entered turn 1 there was nothing between them. The duel for P2 ended at turn 13 when Lorenzo succumbed to the pressure of a faster Pedrosa. Dani passed Jorge and took P2.

According to the commentator  it was a supreme performance by Marquez. The fans in Argentina witnessed a superb ride. The MotoGP grid delivered superior riding and the 2 dominant teams secured the top four positions Honda 1-2 and Yamaha 3-4.

Lorenzo visited the podium for the first time in 2014, but Marquez is now 3 from 3! The next round is on home soil for both riders – Jerez, Spain. Expect fireworks on a mammoth scale!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer